Before Pilate
Matthew 27:1–26FocusBetrayal's aftermath and condemnation
Connection to the wholeJudas' remorse and the proceedings before Pilate lead to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.
interpretation Matthew 27:39
KJVAnd they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Read it in context
Mockery and crucifixion
Start reading at Matthew 27:27 (Matthew 27:27 to Matthew 27:44).
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.
The soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified.
- 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
- 27:28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
- 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
- 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
- 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
- 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
- 27:33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
- 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
- 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
- 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;
- 27:37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
- 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
- 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
- 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
- 27:42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
- 27:43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
- 27:44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 27:1–27:66): Jesus is brought before Pilate; priests, elders, the crowd, soldiers, two crucified men, women followers, Joseph of Arimathaea, and the tomb guards appear in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Mockery and crucifixion. Read Matthew 27:27 through Matthew 27:44 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Mockery and crucifixion (Matthew 27:27 to Matthew 27:44). Start reading at Matthew 27:27. 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? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 27:27, Matthew 27:44, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
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
- reviled Ps 22:6-7,17 Ps 31:11-13 Ps 35:15-21 Ps 69:7-12,20 Ps 109:2,25 Lam 1:12 Lam 2:15-17 1 Pet 2:22-24
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 27
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusThe rejected king
Connection to the wholeThe soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified.
interpretation Jesus dies
Matthew 27:45–56FocusThe death and its witnesses
Connection to the wholeJesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred.
interpretation Burial and the guard
Matthew 27:57–66FocusThe secured tomb
Connection to the wholeThe burial and measures to guard the tomb establish the setting for the resurrection account in chapter 28.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.