Chapter XV

The Crucifixion

Summary —Jesus Sent by the Sanhedrim to Pilate. The Multitude, Moved by the Priests, Clamor for His Death. They Reject Jesus and Demand Barabbas. Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified. Crowned with Thorns, Spit Upon, and Mocked. Crucified at Golgotha Between Thieves. Mocked by the Priests. Jesus Dies. The Veil of the Temple Rent. The Centurion's Confession. Buried in the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathæa.

1–20. The chief priests … bound Jesus … and delivered him to Pilate. See 215notes on Matt. 27:1, 2; 11–31. Mark's account differs a little from that of Matthew. Compare Luke 23:1–35; John 18:28–40; 19:1–16.

21–41. They compel one Simon … to bear the cross. See notes on Matt. 27:32–56. Mark's account is almost parallel. Compare Luke 23:26–49; John 19:17–30. Only Mark declares that Simon was 216the father of Alexander and Rufus. See Romans 16:13; 1 Tim. 1:20; Acts 19:33. Simon, while a native of Cyrene in North Africa, was a Jew.

42–47. When the even was come. See notes on Matt. 27:57–61 for the Burial of Jesus. Compare 217Luke 23:50–56; John 19:36–42. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathæa, who obtained the body of Jesus and placed it in Joseph's new-made tomb, were both members of the Jewish Sanhedrim. Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night (John 3:1, 2) and had vainly opposed the animosity of the Sanhedrim (John 7:50–53). 217