About Mark

Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant of God, emphasizing His actions and authority.

Author: John MarkWritten: c. AD 50-65Reading time: ~6 minVerses: 47
ServantActionAuthoritySufferingDiscipleshipMessianic Secret

King James Version

Mark 15

47 verses with commentary

Jesus Before Pilate

And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And straightway in the morning</strong> (Καὶ εὐθὺς πρωΐ, <em>Kai euthys prōi</em>)—Mark's characteristic εὐθύς (<em>euthys</em>, 'immediately') emphasizes urgency. The word πρωΐ (<em>prōi</em>) indicates early morning, the fourth watch (3-6 AM). <strong>The chief priests held a consultation</strong> (συμβούλιον ποιήσαντες, <em>symboulion poiēsantes</em>)—they formed a συμβούλιον (<em>symbo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XV.** (1-14) **And the whole council.**—The words in the Greek are in apposition with “the chief priests.” We do not know of any other elements in the Council or Sanhedrin than the priests, scribes, and elders, and it is possible that the writer may have added the words in the sense of “even the whole Council,” as giving the collective word for the body of which the three constituent parts had b...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews?</strong> (καὶ ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτὸν ὁ Πιλᾶτος, Σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων; <em>kai epērōtēsen auton ho Pilatos, Sy ei ho basileus tōn Ioudaiōn?</em>)—The verb ἐπερωτάω (<em>eperōtaō</em>) means to question, interrogate. The title 'King of the Jews' (βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων, <em>basileus tōn Ioudaiōn</em>) was political, not religious—a charg...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the chief priests accused him of many things</strong> (καὶ κατηγόρουν αὐτοῦ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πολλά, <em>kai katēgoroun autou hoi archiereis polla</em>)—The verb κατηγορέω (<em>katēgoreō</em>) means to accuse, bring charges against (from which English 'categorize' derives). The adverb πολλά (<em>polla</em>, 'many things') shows volume of accusations. Luke 23:2 specifies: forbidding tribute ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **But he answered** **nothing.**—Many MSS. omit these words, but the fact is implied in Pilate’s question, and in “Jesus yet answered nothing,” in Mark 15:5.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing ? behold how many things they witness against thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing?</strong> (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος πάλιν ἐπηρώτα αὐτὸν λέγων, Οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν; <em>ho de Pilatos palin epērōta auton legōn, Ouk apokrinē ouden?</em>)—Pilate's repeated questioning (πάλιν, <em>palin</em>, 'again') shows his perplexity. The double negative (οὐκ...οὐδέν, <em>ouk...ouden</em>) intensifies: 'Aren't you answering anything at all...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But Jesus yet answered nothing</strong> (ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς οὐκέτι οὐδὲν ἀπεκρίθη, <em>ho de Iēsous ouketi ouden apekrithē</em>)—The emphatic οὐκέτι (<em>ouketi</em>, 'no longer, still not') combined with οὐδέν (<em>ouden</em>, 'nothing') stresses Jesus's resolute silence. This wasn't passive victimhood but active fulfillment of prophecy. <strong>So that Pilate marvelled</strong> (ὥστε θαυμάζειν ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner</strong> (Κατὰ δὲ ἑορτὴν ἀπέλυεν αὐτοῖς ἕνα δέσμιον, <em>Kata de heortēn apelyen autois hena desmion</em>)—The phrase κατὰ ἑορτήν (<em>kata heortēn</em>) means 'according to the feast,' establishing this as customary practice. The verb ἀπολύω (<em>apolyō</em>) means to release, set free. A δέσμιος (<em>desmios</em>) was a prisoner, liter...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **He released . . . whomsoever they desired.**—Both verbs are in the tense which implies custom.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there was one named Barabbas</strong> (ἦν δὲ ὁ λεγόμενος Βαραββᾶς, <em>ēn de ho legomenos Barabbas</em>)—The name Βαραββᾶς (<em>Barabbas</em>) is Aramaic: בַּר־אַבָּא (<em>bar-abba</em>), 'son of the father.' Some manuscripts of Matthew 27:16 give his full name as 'Jesus Barabbas,' heightening the choice: Jesus son of the father (the criminal) or Jesus Son of the Father (the Christ). <...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Bound with them that had made insurrection.**—The fact that Barabbas was a rebel as well as robber is stated by St. Luke also (Luke 23:19), but St. Mark alone records the fact that his fellow-insurgents were imprisoned with him.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do</strong> (καὶ ἀναβὰς ὁ ὄχλος ἤρξατο αἰτεῖσθαι καθὼς ἀεὶ ἐποίει αὐτοῖς, <em>kai anabas ho ochlos ērxato aiteisthai kathōs aei epoiei autois</em>)—The participle ἀναβάς (<em>anabas</em>, 'going up') suggests the ὄχλος (<em>ochlos</em>, crowd/multitude) approached the judgment seat. The verb αἰτέω (<em>aiteō</em>) means to ask, request,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **As he had ever done unto them.**—More accurately, *as he ever used to do unto them.*

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?</strong> (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς λέγων, Θέλετε ἀπολύσω ὑμῖν τὸν βασιλέα τῶν Ἰουδαίων; <em>ho de Pilatos apekrithē autois legōn, Thelete apolysō hymin ton basilea tōn Ioudaiōn?</em>)—Pilate's question uses the verb θέλω (<em>thelō</em>, to will, desire, want) with deliberate political calculation. ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Will ye that I release unto you . . .?**—The form of the question in the Greek implies (as the like form in John 18:39) a half hope of an affirmative answer.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy</strong> (ἐγίνωσκεν γὰρ ὅτι διὰ φθόνον παραδεδώκεισαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς, <em>eginōsken gar hoti dia phthonon paradedōkeisan auton hoi archiereis</em>)—The verb γινώσκω (<em>ginōskō</em>) means to know, perceive, understand. Pilate had discernment to see through the religious veneer to the real motive: φθόνος (<em>phthonos</em>,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the chief priests moved the people</strong> (οἱ δὲ ἀρχιερεῖς ἀνέσεισαν τὸν ὄχλον, <em>hoi de archiereis aneseisan ton ochlon</em>)—The verb ἀνασείω (<em>anaseiō</em>) means to shake up, stir up, incite. It suggests agitation, deliberate manipulation. The ὄχλος (<em>ochlos</em>, crowd) becomes a weapon in the chief priests' hands. <strong>That he should rather release Barabbas unto them...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse reveals the tragic irony of Christ's trial: Pilate recognized Jesus' innocence but yielded to political pressure, while the Jews rejected their true King. "Pilate answered and said again" shows this was ongoing dialogue, not a single exchange. Pilate had already examined Jesus and found no fault (Luke 23:4, 14, 22). "What will ye then that I shall do" exposes Pilate's moral cowardice. A...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Whom ye call the King of the Jews.**—We note in St. Mark’s report something of the same determination to fasten upon the Jews the reproach that it was indeed their king whom he had condemned, as we see afterwards in the “title” which he placed upon the cross, and in his refusal to alter it (John 19:21-22).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And they cried out again, Crucify him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they cried out again, Crucify him</strong> (οἱ δὲ πάλιν ἔκραξαν, Σταύρωσον αὐτόν, <em>hoi de palin ekraxan, Staurōson auton</em>)—The verb κράζω (<em>krazō</em>) means to cry out, shout, scream—a visceral, loud demand. The adverb πάλιν (<em>palin</em>, 'again') suggests they'd already begun shouting this before Pilate's question in v. 12. The imperative σταύρωσον (<em>staurōson</em>, '...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done?</strong> (ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς, Τί γὰρ ἐποίησεν κακόν; <em>ho de Pilatos elegen autois, Ti gar epoiēsen kakon?</em>)—Pilate's question uses τί (<em>ti</em>, 'what?') seeking specific charges, and κακόν (<em>kakon</em>, 'evil') asking for actual wrongdoing. The perfect tense ἐποίησεν (<em>epoiēsen</em>) asks what evil Jesus has ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And so Pilate, willing to content the people</strong> (Ὁ δὲ Πιλᾶτος βουλόμενος τῷ ὄχλῳ τὸ ἱκανὸν ποιῆσαι, <em>Ho de Pilatos boulomenos tō ochlō to hikanon poiēsai</em>)—The verb βούλομαι (<em>boulomai</em>) means to will, wish, desire. The phrase τὸ ἱκανὸν ποιέω (<em>to hikanon poieō</em>) means to do what is sufficient/satisfactory—essentially, to appease. Pilate chose political expedienc...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15-21) **And so Pilate, willing to content the people.**—The word which St. Mark uses for “content” appears to be the Greek equivalent for the Latin *satisfacere,* and so takes its place in the evidence for St. Mark’s connection with Rome and the Roman Church. **Scourged him.**—The word, like that in St. Matthew, is formed from the Latin *flagellum,* and forms another link in the chain of evidenc...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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Jesus Is Mocked by the Soldiers

And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. Praetorium: or, the palace, or, hall of audience

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium</strong> (Οἱ δὲ στρατιῶται ἀπήγαγον αὐτὸν ἔσω τῆς αὐλῆς, ὅ ἐστιν πραιτώριον, <em>Hoi de stratiōtai apēgagon auton esō tēs aulēs, ho estin praitōrion</em>)—The verb ἀπάγω (<em>apagō</em>) means to lead away, often of prisoners to execution. The στρατιῶται (<em>stratiōtai</em>, soldiers) were Roman legionaries. The πραιτώριον (<e...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Into the hall, called Prætorium.**—The same word is used by St. Matthew (Matthew 27:27), but is there translated the “common hall.” See Note there as to the meaning of the word. Here, again, we have a Latin word.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns</strong>—The Greek <em>porphyra</em> (πορφύρα) denotes royal purple, worn exclusively by emperors and kings. Roman soldiers mockingly invested Jesus with this imperial color while <em>plekō</em> (πλέκω, 'weave together') a <em>stephanos</em> (στέφανος, crown) from thorn branches—likely from the <em>Ziziphus spina-christi</em> plan...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **They clothed him with purple.**—The colour is called “purple” by St. Mark and St. John, “crimson” by St. Matthew. The two words probably indicated the same colour.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Hail, King of the Jews!</strong> (Χαῖρε, ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων)—The greeting <em>chaire</em> (χαῖρε, 'hail' or 'rejoice') was the standard Roman imperial salutation, identical to <em>Ave Caesar</em>. Mark's terse narrative captures the soldiers' savage parody: they mimicked the formal court protocol for greeting Roman emperors, transforming worship into weaponized ridicule.<br><br>Theolo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They smote him on the head with a reed</strong> (ἐτύπτων αὐτοῦ τὴν κεφαλὴν καλάμῳ)—The imperfect tense of <em>typtō</em> (τύπτω, 'strike') indicates repeated, continuous beating. The <em>kalamos</em> (κάλαμος, reed-staff) they had mockingly placed in His hand as a royal scepter became an instrument of torture, driving the thorns deeper into His skull with each blow.<br><br><strong>Did spit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **They smote . . . did spit . . . worshipped.**—All three verbs are in the tense which implies frequent repetition.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When they had mocked him, they took off the purple</strong> (ἐνέπαιξαν αὐτῷ, ἐξέδυσαν αὐτὸν τὴν πορφύραν)—The verb <em>ekdyō</em> (ἐκδύω, 'strip off') indicates forcible removal. Dried blood would have caused the robe to adhere to His scourge-torn back; ripping it off would have reopened wounds. They returned His own clothes, likely so His execution would appear 'legitimate' rather than th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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The Crucifixion

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They compel one Simon a Cyrenian</strong> (ἀγγαρεύουσιν Σίμωνα Κυρηναῖον)—The verb <em>angareuō</em> (ἀγγαρεύω) is a technical term for Roman military requisition: soldiers could legally force civilians to carry military equipment one mile (Matthew 5:41). Simon from Cyrene (North Africa, modern Libya) was likely a Diaspora Jew visiting for Passover, <strong>coming out of the country</stron...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **The father of Alexander and Rufus.**—The fact recorded here, and not elsewhere, is one of the most striking instances of the independent character of St. Mark’s Gospel. It is clear that it had a special interest for himself and the readers for whom he wrote; what that interest was we can only conjecture. The two names were so common that we cannot arrive at more than a probable identificati...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-21** Christ met death in its greatest terror. It was the death of the vilest malefactors. Thus the cross and the shame are put together. God having been dishonoured by the sin of man, Christ made satisfaction by submitting to the greatest disgrace human nature could be loaded with. It was a cursed death; thus it was branded by the Jewish law, De 21:23. The Roman soldiers mocked our...
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And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

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KJV Study Commentary

At crucifixion, 'they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull' (φέρουσιν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸν Γολγοθᾶν τόπον, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Κρανίου Τόπος). Golgotha (Γολγοθᾶν, from Aramaic gulgalta) means 'skull place'—possibly named for skull-shaped rock formation or as execution site. This was outside Jerusalem's walls (Hebrews 13:12), fulfilling requirements tha...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

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KJV Study Commentary

At Golgotha, 'they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not' (ἐδίδουν αὐτῷ ἐσμυρνισμένον οἶνον, ὃς δὲ οὐκ ἔλαβεν). This mixture was offered to crucifixion victims as mild sedative dulling pain. Jesus refused—He would endure the cross's full horror fully conscious. This demonstrates voluntary suffering and complete obedience to the Father's will. Jesus wouldn't anesthetize ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Wine mingled with myrrh.**—Note this description as in part explaining St. Matthew’s “wine mingled with gall.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They parted his garments, casting lots upon them</strong> (διαμερίζονται τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ, βάλλοντες κλῆρον)—The Greek <em>diamerizomai</em> (διαμερίζομαι, 'divide among themselves') fulfills Psalm 22:18 with precision: 'They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.' Roman executioners customarily claimed the condemned's possessions as perquisites. The verb <em>ballō</em>...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>It was the third hour, and they crucified him</strong> (ἦν ὥρα τρίτη καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν)—Mark's precise time notation: the <em>hōra tritē</em> (ὥρα τρίτη, third hour) equals 9:00 AM by Jewish timekeeping (counting from sunrise ~6 AM). The aorist tense of <em>stauroō</em> (σταυρόω, crucify) marks the decisive, completed action: 'they crucified' (past definite). This stark six-word sentenc...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **It was the third hour.**—The precise statement of the hour is peculiar to St. Mark, but it agrees with the narrative common to him with St. Matthew and St. Luke of the darkness that came over the land at the “sixth hour.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS</strong>—The Greek <em>epigraphē tēs aitias</em> (ἐπιγραφὴ τῆς αἰτίας, inscription of the charge) refers to the <em>titulus</em>, the placard stating the crime. Roman law required crucifixion victims to display their offense publicly. Pilate's inscription, written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek (John 19:20), proclaime...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **The King of the Jews.**—St. Mark gives the shortest form of the inscription.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>With him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left</strong>—The Greek <em>lēstēs</em> (λῃστής, 'robber/bandit,' plural <em>lēstas</em>) can denote violent brigands or insurrectionists. These weren't petty thieves but dangerous criminals. Mark's spatial precision—<strong>on his right...on his left</strong> (ἐκ δεξιῶν...ἐξ εὐωνύμων)—echoes the disciples' ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **Two thieves.**—Better, as in Matthew 27:38, *two robbers.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**53. And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled--**or rather, "there gathered together unto him." **all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes--**it was then a full and formal meeting of the Sanhedrim. Now, as the first three Evangelists place all Peter's denials of his Lord after this, we should naturally conclude that they took place while our Lord stood...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors</strong>—This verse directly quotes Isaiah 53:12: 'He was numbered (Greek <em>elogisthē</em>, ἐλογίσθη, 'reckoned/counted') with the transgressors (<em>anomōn</em>, ἀνόμων, lawless ones).' Mark interprets the crucifixion as prophetic fulfillment: Jesus' placement between criminals wasn't accidental but div...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **And the scripture was fulfilled.**—The verse, if genuine, would be noticeable as one of the few instances in which St. Mark dwells on the fulfilment of prophecy; but it is omitted by nearly all the better MSS., and probably originated in a marginal note, calling attention to the fulfilment of the prophecy which we find quoted by our Lord as about to be fulfilled in Luke 22:37.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**54. And Peter followed him afar off, even into--**or "from afar, even to the interior of." **the palace of the high priest--**"An oriental house," says Robinson, "is usually built around a quadrangular interior court; into which there is a passage (sometimes arched) through the front part of the house, closed next the street by a heavy folding gate, with a smaller wicket for single persons, ke...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads</strong>—The verb <em>eblasphēmoun</em> (ἐβλασφήμουν, 'blasphemed/reviled') indicates ongoing verbal abuse from passersby on the Jerusalem-to-Jericho road. The participle <em>kinountes tas kephalas</em> (κινοῦντες τὰς κεφαλάς, 'wagging heads') fulfills Psalm 22:7 exactly: 'All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Ah.**—The interjection, which in its Greek form expresses a kind of inarticulate scorn, is peculiar to St. Mark, and may be noted as another instance of his habit of reproducing the very sounds that had been uttered.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**55. And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death--**Matthew (Mt 26:59) says they "sought false witness." They knew they could find nothing valid; but having their Prisoner to bring before Pilate, they behooved to make a case. **and found none--**none that would suit their purpose, or make a decent ground of charge before Pilate.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Save thyself, and come down from the cross</strong> (σῶσον σεαυτὸν καταβὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ σταυροῦ)—The imperative <em>sōson</em> (σῶσον, 'save!') coupled with <em>katabas</em> (καταβάς, 'coming down') captures the crowd's taunt. This echoes Satan's wilderness temptations (Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11): prove Your deity through spectacular demonstration, bypass suffering through self-preservation....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Save thyself.**—The order of the clauses should be inverted, *come down from the cross, and save Thyself.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**56. For many bare false witness against him--**From their debasing themselves to "seek" them, we are led to infer that they were bribed to bear false witness; though there are never wanting sycophants enough, ready to sell themselves for naught, if they may but get a smile from those above them: see a similar scene in Ac 6:11-14. How is one reminded here of that complaint, "False witnesses did r...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save</strong>—The religious elite join the mockery. Their statement is theologically brilliant while spiritually blind: <em>allous esōsen, heauton ou dynatai sōsai</em> (ἄλλους ἔσωσεν, ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται σῶσαι)—'Others He saved; Himself He cannot save.' The verb <em>sōzō</em> (σῴζω) means 's...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**57. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him--**Matthew (Mt 26:60) is more precise here: "At the last came two false witnesses." As no two had before agreed in anything, they felt it necessary to secure a duplicate testimony to something, but they were long of succeeding. And what was it, when at length it was brought forward? **saying--**as follows:

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe</strong>—The title <em>ho Christos ho basileus tou Israēl</em> (ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, the Christ/Messiah, the King of Israel) drips with sarcasm, yet accurately identifies Jesus. Their demand—<em>idōmen kai pisteusōmen</em> (ἴδωμεν καὶ πιστεύσωμεν, 'we might see and believe')—echoes perennial u...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Let Christ.**—Better, *the Christ.* The article is emphatic, and the word had not yet come to be used only as a name.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**58. We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands--**On this charge, observe, first, that eager as His enemies were to find criminal matter against our Lord, they had to go back to the outset of His ministry, His first visit to Jerusalem, more than three years before this. In all that He said and did after that...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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The Death of Jesus

And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour</strong>—From noon (<em>hōra hektē</em>, ὥρα ἕκτη, sixth hour) until 3 PM (<em>hōra enatē</em>, ὥρα ἐνάτη, ninth hour), supernatural darkness (<em>skotos</em>, σκότος) covered <em>holēn tēn gēn</em> (ὅλην τὴν γῆν)—debated whether 'whole land' (Judea) or 'whole earth' (cosmic). The preposition <em>epi<...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**59. But neither so did their witness agree together--**that is, not even as to so brief a speech, consisting of but a few words, was there such a concurrence in their mode of reporting it as to make out a decent case. In such a charge everything depended on the very terms alleged to have been used. For every one must see that a very slight turn, either way, given to such words, would make them e...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse records Jesus' cry of dereliction from the cross, quoting Psalm 22:1. The Aramaic "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani" (Ἐλωΐ Ἐλωΐ λεμὰ σαβαχθάνι) means "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" This represents the climax of Christ's suffering—not merely physical agony but spiritual abandonment as He bears the full weight of God's wrath against sin. The repetition "My God, My God" expresses...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Eloi, Eloi.**—Here, again, the form which St. Mark gives is a closer reproduction of the very sounds of the Aramaic form of the word than that in St. Matthew, who gives the Hebrew as it stands in Psalm 22:1.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**60. Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?--**Clearly, they felt that their case had failed, and by this artful question the high priest hoped to get from His own mouth what they had in vain tried to obtain from their false and contradictory witnesses. But in this, too, they failed.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse occurs during Jesus' crucifixion, immediately after His cry "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" ("My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?"). The Greek parestēkotes (παρεστηκότες, "those standing by") likely refers to Jewish bystanders. The confusion about Jesus calling Elijah (Ēlian phōnei, Ἠλίαν φωνεῖ) stems from the similarity between "Eloi" (Aramaic for "My God") and "Elijah" (Elias i...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**61. But he held his peace, and answered nothing--**This must have nonplussed them. But they were not to be easily baulked of their object. **Again the high priest--**arose (Mt 26:62), matters having now come to a crisis. **asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?--**Why our Lord should have answered this question, when He was silent as to the former, we migh...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>One ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink</strong>—The Greek <em>oxos</em> (ὄξος, sour wine/vinegar) was cheap wine-vinegar, standard Roman soldier rations. The <em>spoggos</em> (σπόγγος, sponge) on a <em>kalamos</em> (κάλαμος, reed-staff) allowed reaching Jesus' mouth on the elevated cross. This fulfills Psalm 69:21: 'In my thirst they gave m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**62. And Jesus said, I am--**or, as in Matthew (Mt 26:64), "Thou hast said [it]." In Luke, however (Lu 22:70), the answer, "Ye say that I am," should be rendered--as De Wette, Meyer, Ellicott, and the best critics agree that the preposition requires--"Ye say [it], for I am [so]." Some words, however, were spoken by our Lord before giving His answer to this solemn question. These are recorded by L...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost</strong>—The phrase <em>aphēken to pneuma</em> (ἀφῆκεν τὸ πνεῦμα, literally 'dismissed the spirit') is striking. The aorist tense of <em>aphiēmi</em> (ἀφίημι, 'release/send away') indicates volitional action. Jesus didn't succumb to death; He actively dismissed His spirit. The <em>phōnē megalē</em> (φωνή μεγάλη, loud voice) is significan...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**63. Then the high priest rent his clothes--**On this expression of horror of blasphemy, see 2Ki 18:37. and saith, What need we any further witnesses? (Also see on Joh 18:28.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom</strong>—The Greek <em>katapetasma</em> (καταπέτασμα, veil/curtain) separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in the temple. This massive curtain, roughly 60 feet high, 30 feet wide, and 4 inches thick (according to Josephus), required 300 priests to manipulate. Only the high priest could pass through, once yearly o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**64. Ye have heard the blasphemy--**(See Joh 10:33). In Luke (Lu 22:71), "For we ourselves have heard of His own mouth"--an affectation of religious horror. (Also see on Joh 18:28.) **what think ye?--**"Say what the verdict is to be." **they all condemned him to be guilty of death--**or of a capital crime, which blasphemy against God was according to the Jewish law (Le 24:16). Yet not absolut...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse records the profound testimony of a Roman centurion who supervised Jesus' crucifixion. The phrase "when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw" emphasizes eyewitness testimony—this wasn't hearsay but direct observation. "That he so cried out, and gave up the ghost" refers to Jesus' final cry and death. What the centurion witnessed convinced him of Jesus' identity. His confessi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **When the centurion.**—St. Mark, after his manner, uses the actual Latin word, St. Matthew the Greek equivalent. (39-47) See Notes on Matthew 27:54-61.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**65. And some began to spit on him--**or, as in Mt 26:67, "to spit in [into] His face." Luke (Lu 22:63) says in addition, "And the men that held Jesus mocked him"--or cast their jeers at Him. (Also see on Joh 18:28.) **to cover his face--**or "to blindfold him" (as in Lu 22:64). **to buffet him--**Luke's word, which is rendered "smote Him" (Lu 22:63), is a stronger one, conveying an idea for ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There were also women looking on afar off</strong>—Mark introduces the faithful women who witnessed the crucifixion from a distance. The Greek verb means to observe, behold, watch attentively—not casual onlookers but devoted witnesses bearing testimony. <strong>Among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome</strong>—Three named women represent...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **Among whom was Mary Magdalene.**—The list is the same as that in Matthew 27:56, with the exceptions (1) of the epithet “less,” or better, *little,* as applied to James, and (2) the name of Salome instead of “the mother of Zebedee’s children.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**66. And as Peter was beneath in the palace--**This little word "beneath"--one of our Evangelist's graphic touches--is most important for the right understanding of what we may call the topography of the scene. We must take it in connection with Matthew's word (Mt 26:69): **"Now Peter sat without in the palace"--**or quadrangular court, in the center of which the fire would be burning; and crowdi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him</strong>—Mark emphasizes these women's longstanding discipleship. The Greek imperfect tense for followed indicates continuous action—they regularly, habitually followed Jesus throughout His Galilean ministry. Ministered means served, supported, provided for needs. These were disciples providing financial and logistical...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**67. And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him--**Luke (Lu 22:56) is here more graphic; "But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire"--literally, "by the light," which, shining full upon him, revealed him to the girl--"and earnestly looked upon him"--or, "fixed her gaze upon him." His demeanor and timidity, which must have attracted notice, as so generally happens, "lead...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Jesus Is Buried

And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath</strong>—Mark notes the timing precisely: evening had arrived (approximately 3-6 PM). Preparation refers to Friday, the day before Sabbath when Jews prepared meals and completed work prohibited on Sabbath. The timing was urgent—Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) required executed criminals' b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **The preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath.**—The explanation, like that in Mark 7:2-3, is characteristic of St. Mark, as writing for Gentile readers. It fixes, with hardly the shadow of a doubt, the meaning of the word “preparation,” as given in the Note on Matthew 27:62.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**68. But he denied--**"before all" (Mt 26:70). **saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest--**in Luke (Lu 22:57), "I know Him not." **And he went out into the porch--**the vestibule leading to the street--no doubt finding the fire-place too hot for him; possibly also with the hope of escaping--but that was not to be, and perhaps he dreaded that, too. Doubtless by this time his...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor</strong>—Joseph came from Arimathea, likely Ramathaim-zophim northwest of Jerusalem. Honourable means prominent, respected, of high social standing. Counsellor identifies him as a Sanhedrin member, part of the 71-member ruling council. Luke 23:50-51 clarifies he was a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action—h...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **Joseph of Arimathsea.**—The account given of him is fuller than in St. Matthew. The phrase, “which also waited for the kingdom of God,” has its parallel in Luke 23:51. **Went in boldly.**—Better, *waxed bold, and went in.* There is an implied contrast between his boldness now and his previous timidity.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**69. And a maid saw him again--**or, "a girl." It might be rendered "the girl"; but this would not necessarily mean the same one as before, but might, and probably does, mean just the female who had charge of the door or gate near which Peter now was. Accordingly, in Mt 26:71, she is expressly called "another [maid]." But in Luke (Lu 22:58) it is a male servant: "And after a little while [from th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead</strong>—Pilate's surprise is medically significant. Crucifixion victims typically survived 2-3 days before dying. Jesus died after only six hours (9 AM to 3 PM, Mark 15:25, 34). The Greek verb indicates genuine astonishment—Pilate found the rapid death unusual enough to verify. <strong>Calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **And Pilate marvelled.**—The wonder of Pilate, and his calling the centurion (the article points to his being the same that had been mentioned in Mark 15:39), are peculiar to St. Mark.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**70. And he denied it again--**In Luke (Lu 22:58), "Man, I am not." But worst of all in Matthew--"And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man" (Mt 26:72). This was the Second Denial, more vehement, alas! than the first. Peter's Third Denial of His Lord (Mr 14:70-72). **70. And a little after--**"about the space of one hour after" (Lu 22:59). they that stood by said again to P...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph</strong>—After receiving centurion confirmation, Pilate officially released Jesus's corpse. The Greek verb means to grant, give as a gift—Pilate granted permission without charging fees Roman officials often extracted. The word for corpse emphasizes genuinely lifeless—not a swooned man but a verified corpse. Pilate's cooperat...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**71. But he began to curse--**"anathematize," or wish himself accursed if what he was now to say was not true. **and to swear--**or to take a solemn oath. saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen</strong>—Joseph purchased fine linen, expensive cloth used for burial shrouds, demonstrating both wealth and devotion. Took him down required removing the nails—agonizing labor even handling a corpse. Wrapped means to wind, roll, envelop—Jewish burial custom involved wrapping bodies with linen strips and aromatic spi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(46) **He bought fine linen.**—Better, *a fine linen sheet.* The word is the same as in Matthew 27:59. The fact that it was bought just before the Sabbath began is peculiar to St. Mark.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**72. And the second time the cock crew--**The other three Evangelists, who mention but one crowing of the cock--and that not the first, but the second and last one of Mark--all say the cock crew "immediately," but Luke (Lu 22:60) says, "Immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew." Alas!--But now comes the wonderful sequel. The Redeemer's Look upon Peter, and Peter's Bitter Tears (Mr 14:72;...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid</strong>—The women served as witnesses, carefully observing the tomb's location. The Greek verb means to watch, observe attentively, look carefully—not casual glancing but intentional witnessing. They noted exactly where he was laid, enabling them to return Sunday morning and later report the empty tomb accurately. Th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(47) **Mary the mother of Joses.**—In Matthew 27:61 she is described simply as “the other Mary.” Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 15 Mr 15:1-20. Jesus Is Brought before Pilate--At a Second Hearing, Pilate, after Seeking to Release Him, Delivers Him Up--After Being Cruelly Entreated, He Is Led Away to Be Crucified. ( = Mt 26:1, 2, 11-31; Lu 23:1-6, 13-25; Joh 18:28-19:16). See on Joh 18:28-19:16. Mr 15:21-37. Crucifixion and Death of the Lord Jesus. ( = Mt 27:32-50; Lu 23:26-46; Joh 19:17-30). See on Joh 19:17-30...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Christ before Pilate.(1-14) Christ led to be crucified.(15-21) The crucifixion.(22-32) The death of Christ.(33-41) His body buried.(42-47) **Verses 1-14** They bound Christ. It is good for us often to remember the bonds of the Lord Jesus, as bound with him who was bound for us. By delivering up the King, they, in effect, delivered up the kin...
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