Mar 15:6-15 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Mark 15:6-8: 15:6-8 The custom described in 15:6-8 is not known outside of the Gospels, but all four Gospels refer to it (Matt 27:15-21 ; Luke 23:18-25 ; John 18:37-40 ); in many instances prisoners in the ancient world were released on special holidays. • Barabbas: See also Matt 27:16-17 ; Luke 23:19 . • who had committed murder in an uprising: Pilate’s willingness to release Barabbas (Matt 15:15 ) probably indicates that he had not killed Roman citizens or soldiers.

a15:6-8►

b15:6-8►

cMatt 27:15-21►

dLuke 23:18-25►

eJohn 18:37-40►

fMatt 27:16-17►

gLuke 23:19►

hMatt 15:15►

i15:9-14►

j15:15►

k10:34►

‏ Mark 15:6-15

Summary for Mark 15:6-8: 15:6-8 ^a The custom described in 15:6-8 ^b is not known outside of the Gospels, but all four Gospels refer to it (Matt 27:15-21 ^c; Luke 23:18-25 ^d; John 18:37-40 ^e); in many instances prisoners in the ancient world were released on special holidays.

• Barabbas: See also Matt 27:16-17 ^f; Luke 23:19 ^g.

• who had committed murder in an uprising: Pilate’s willingness to release Barabbas (Matt 15:15 ^h) probably indicates that he had not killed Roman citizens or soldiers.
Summary for Mark 15:9-14: 15:9-14 ⁱ Pilate apparently hoped to release Jesus, but the crowd was stirred up beyond discussion.
15:15 ^j to pacify the crowd: To protect his job, Pilate ordered a completely innocent man to be crucified.

• He ordered Jesus flogged: Flogging was preliminary to crucifixion. It was done with leather thongs tipped with metal, stone, or bone. This laceration of the flesh could itself bring death. Jesus’ prediction in 10:34 ^k was now being fulfilled.