Mark 15:1-4
Summary for Mark 15:1-15: 15:1-15 a Following the story of Peter’s denial, Mark turns back to Jesus and what happened at his trial. Pilate’s wavering under pressure fits what is known of him from other sources. 15:1 b Very early in the morning: Roman trials usually began at dawn. It is not clear whether this was a second meeting of the entire high council, or whether the account refers back to the decision of the council in 14:63-64 c and resumes at this point.• Since the high council lacked authority to institute capital punishment (John 18:31 d), they had to take Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea from AD 26–36. Pilate’s normal residence was on the coast at Caesarea, but he stayed in Jerusalem during Passover, when Israel’s celebration of the Exodus raised hopes of deliverance from Roman rule.
15:2 e The phrase king of the Jews is the Gentile equivalent of the Jewish title, “King of Israel” (15:32 f).
• You have said it: Jesus’ reply to Pilate’s question is found in all four Gospels; Jesus clearly understood himself to be a king (10:37-38 g; 11:9-10 h; 12:35-37 i), and Pilate eventually crucified him on this charge (15:26 j), although Pilate understood that Jesus was not a political threat (John 18:33-39 k).
Summary for Mark 15:3-5: 15:3-5 l Pilate sought a self-defense from Jesus concerning the charges.
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