Jesus before Pilate
Mark 15:1–20FocusCondemnation and mockery
Connection to the wholeThe proceedings lead to Barabbas' release and Jesus' condemnation, followed by mockery of His kingship.
interpretation Mark 15:40
KJVThere 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;
Read it in context
Crucifixion and death
Start reading at Mark 15:21 (Mark 15:21 to Mark 15:41).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Mockery, darkness, Jesus' cry, and His death bring the passion to its climax, witnessed by the centurion and women followers.
- 15:21 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.
- 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
- 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
- 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
- 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
- 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
- 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
- 15:29 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,
- 15:30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
- 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
- 15:32 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.
- 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
- 15:34 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?
- 15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
- 15:36 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.
- 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
- 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
- 15:39 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.
- 15:40 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;
- 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Mark, traditionally identified as John Mark and associated with Peter's preaching, is the author named by early church testimony. Biblical references: Acts 12:12; 1 Peter 5:13. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Mark 15:1–15:47): Pilate, the chief priests, the crowd, soldiers, the crucified men, women followers, and Joseph of Arimathaea appear in the trial, crucifixion, and burial accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers who needed explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic words, indicating a substantial Gentile audience. An association with Rome is early tradition, not an explicit address in the Gospel. Biblical references: Mark 5:41; Mark 7:3; Mark 7:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Mark, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Crucifixion and death. Read Mark 15:21 through Mark 15:41 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Mockery, darkness, Jesus' cry, and His death bring the passion to its climax, witnessed by the centurion and women followers. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins with John the Baptist and follows Jesus' public ministry through His death and resurrection. It does not give a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Galilee, surrounding regions, the journey toward Jerusalem, and Jerusalem form the main narrative movement. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Crucifixion and death (Mark 15:21 to Mark 15:41). Start reading at Mark 15:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Mark explicitly presents the gospel of Jesus Christ and connects His service with giving His life a ransom for many. His identity and the call to follow Him shape the narrative. See Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Follow Jesus with obedient service rather than status-seeking. Read predictions of suffering and calls to discipleship alongside accounts of power and deliverance. interpretation
Cited: Mark 15:21, Mark 15:41, Mark 1:1, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:45
Who wrote it, and how we know
John Mark, recording Peter's preaching (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionPapias, quoting an earlier elder, records that Mark wrote down Peter's preaching accurately.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The crucifixion and death of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These accounts select different sayings and details; the comparison does not supply an inferred sequence for all of them.
Related passages
- women Ps 38:11
- Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9 Matt 28:1 Luke 8:2-3 John 20:11-18
- Mary the Mark 15:47 Mark 16:1 Matt 13:55 Matt 27:55,61 1 Cor 9:5 Gal 1:19 Jas 1:1
- Salome Mark 16:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Mark 15
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
FocusThe suffering Messiah
Connection to the wholeMockery, darkness, Jesus' cry, and His death bring the passion to its climax, witnessed by the centurion and women followers.
interpretation The burial
Mark 15:42–47FocusWitness to the tomb
Connection to the wholeJoseph's burial of Jesus and the women's observation establish the place to which they return in chapter 16.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Mark
This Gospel identifies its subject as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and follows His ministry toward the cross and resurrection. No particular original recipient is named in its opening.
The ministry prepared
Mark 1:1–13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeThe brief opening introduces Jesus and His forerunner, moving rapidly toward the proclamation of the kingdom.
interpretation Authority and opposition
Mark 1:14–3:6FocusTeaching, deliverance, and conflict
Connection to the wholeJesus' works and teaching draw followers while controversies bring the first explicit plot against Him.
interpretation The expanding ministry
Mark 3:7–8:26FocusDisciples, crowds, and understanding
Connection to the wholeTeaching, mighty works, and varied responses repeatedly expose both Jesus' authority and the disciples' difficulty understanding.
interpretation The way to Jerusalem
Mark 8:27–10:52FocusThe Messiah's suffering and following
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by repeated passion predictions and teaching that redefines greatness and discipleship through service.
interpretation Jerusalem and coming judgment
Mark 11:1–13:37FocusTemple conflict and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus' actions and disputes in Jerusalem lead into His teaching about coming troubles and the command to watch.
interpretation FocusDeath, the empty tomb, and proclamation
Connection to the wholeBetrayal, trial, and crucifixion lead to the resurrection proclamation and commission recorded in the KJV's final chapter.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.