Mark 15

On this chapter, see notes on Matt. xxvii., Luke xxiii., and John xviii.

16. Praetorium. This was formerly Herod’s palace; it was now the residence of the Roman governor, and the court of justice.

21 the father of Alexander and Rufus. Peculiar to Mark: a characteristic note of accuracy. A Rufus is mentioned by St. Paul (Rom. xvi. 13).

25 the third hour. The time here mentioned agrees well with that specified in ver. 33, and in Matt. xxvii. 45 and Luke xxiii. 44; but it appears to be at variance with John xix. 14. John may have adopted a different mode of calculation: see note on the last-mentioned passage.

26 superscription. See on John xix. 19.

39 the Son of God. See on Matt. xxvii. 54.

40. James the less (little). See note on Matt. x. 3.

Salome. See note on Matt. xx. 20.

42 the day before the sabbath. See note on John xix. 31.

43 an honourable counsellor. “A councillor of honourable position.”

went in boldly (“boldly went in,” R.V.). His “fear of the Jews” (John xix. 38) being overcome by the power of love.

44. Pilate marvelled. The wonder of Pilate that Christ had died so quickly is mentioned only by Mark. The tortures of crucifixion did not cause a speedy death; and the fact that our Lord’s death was thus speedy was part of the great mystery of His sacrifice: see notes on Luke xxiii. 46; John x. 18; xix. 30, 34.