Mark 15:15

KJV

¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} so Pilate {G4091}, willing {G1014} to content {G2425}{G4160} the people {G3793}, released {G630} Barabbas {G912} unto them {G846}, and {G2532} delivered {G3860} Jesus {G2424}, when he had scourged {G5417} him, to {G2443} be crucified {G4717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the mob, set Bar-Abba free for them; but he had Yeshua whipped and then handed him over to be executed on the stake.

Berean Standard Bible

And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

American Standard Version

And Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:15 encapsulates the tragic culmination of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, where political expediency overshadowed justice. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate, yielding to the insistent demands of the agitated crowd and his desire to maintain public order, made the fateful decision to release Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer, and subsequently delivered Jesus to be brutally scourged and then executed by crucifixion. This pivotal moment underscores the profound human rejection of divine righteousness and the unjust suffering of the innocent Son of God, setting the stage for the ultimate act of atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Jesus' Passion narrative in Mark's Gospel, immediately following Pilate's repeated attempts to release Jesus and the crowd's escalating demands for His crucifixion. Mark 15 opens with Jesus being delivered to Pilate by the chief priests, elders, and scribes after His condemnation by the Sanhedrin. Pilate's interrogation of Jesus (Mark 15:2-5) reveals Jesus' silent dignity and Pilate's own recognition of His innocence, as implied by his question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" and his subsequent offer to release Jesus. The custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover (Mark 15:6-8) provides the mechanism through which the crowd, incited by the religious leaders, chooses Barabbas over Jesus. Mark 15:15 thus marks the point of no return, where Pilate definitively cedes to the mob, sealing Jesus' fate and setting in motion the events leading directly to the crucifixion described in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and political tension. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea (26-36 AD), held ultimate judicial authority, including the power of capital punishment, which the Jewish Sanhedrin lacked under Roman rule. The "custom" of releasing a prisoner at Passover, though not explicitly mentioned in other historical sources, is affirmed by all four Gospels (Matthew 27:15; Luke 23:17; John 18:39) and likely served as a Roman gesture of goodwill to appease the Jewish populace during their most significant national holiday. Scourging (Latin: *flagellatio*) was a common, brutal Roman punishment, often a prelude to crucifixion, designed to weaken the victim and hasten death. It involved a whip (flagrum) with bone or metal pieces, inflicting severe lacerations and often leading to death from blood loss or shock. Pilate's "willingness to content the people" reflects the precarious position of a Roman governor, who needed to maintain peace and order to avoid reports of unrest reaching Rome, which could jeopardize his career or even his life.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Injustice and Political Expediency**, as Pilate, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence (compare [Luke 23:4](/luke/23-4 "Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent")), sacrifices justice for political stability and popular appeasement. The verse also underscores **Human Rejection of God's Anointed**, as the crowd, swayed by the religious leaders, chooses a violent rebel over the Prince of Peace, a choice that tragically mirrors humanity's fallen nature. Furthermore, it foreshadows **Jesus' Voluntary Suffering and Substitutionary Sacrifice**, emphasizing that Jesus' brutal scourging and delivery to crucifixion, though a result of human sin, were part of God's sovereign plan for redemption, fulfilling prophecies of a suffering servant (see [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering Servant's Atoning Sacrifice")). Finally, the narrative showcases **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Sin**, demonstrating that even the most heinous acts of human injustice cannot thwart God's ultimate redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **willing (Greek, _boúlomai'_):** This word signifies Pilate's internal disposition or intent. It suggests that his decision was not coerced in the sense of physical force, but rather stemmed from a desire or inclination to satisfy the crowd. It highlights his agency and moral culpability in prioritizing public appeasement over righteous judgment, indicating a deliberate choice rather than a reluctant submission.
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term refers to a "throng" or "multitude," often implying an unruly, easily swayed crowd or "rabble." In this context, it emphasizes the collective, agitated nature of those demanding Jesus' crucifixion. It underscores the immense public pressure Pilate faced and the volatile atmosphere of the Passover festival in Jerusalem, where a riot could quickly erupt.
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb means "to surrender," "yield up," or "intrust." It precisely describes Pilate's action of formally handing Jesus over to the Roman soldiers for the prescribed punishment and execution. This act of "delivery" is significant, echoing the earlier betrayal of Jesus by Judas (who also "delivered" Him) and fulfilling prophetic themes of the Messiah being "given over" for the sins of many.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And so Pilate, willing to content the people,"**: This opening clause establishes Pilate's motivation for his decision. The phrase "willing to content the people" (from `G1014 boúlomai` and `G2425 hikanós` with `G4160 poiéō`) reveals Pilate's primary concern was not justice or truth, but rather appeasing the agitated crowd and preventing further unrest. He prioritized political expediency and maintaining social order over the life of an innocent man, highlighting a profound moral compromise.
* **"released Barabbas unto them,"**: This action is the direct consequence of Pilate's desire to "content the people." Barabbas, identified in Mark 15:7 as a murderer and insurrectionist, represents the antithesis of Jesus. Pilate's choice to release a known criminal and rebel instead of the innocent "King of the Jews" starkly illustrates the crowd's perverse judgment and Pilate's capitulation to their demands, setting a powerful contrast between the one chosen for freedom and the one chosen for death.
* **"and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified."**: This final clause describes the horrific fate decreed for Jesus. "Delivered" (`G3860 paradídōmi`) signifies the formal handing over of Jesus to the Roman authorities for execution. The act of "scourging" (`G5417 phragellóō`) was a brutal Roman flogging, often with a whip designed to tear flesh, intended to inflict extreme pain and weaken the condemned before crucifixion. "To be crucified" (`G4717 stauróō`) indicates the ultimate, agonizing form of Roman capital punishment, reserved for the worst criminals and rebels. This entire phrase encapsulates the profound injustice and immense suffering Jesus was about to endure for humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Irony** is profoundly present, as the Roman governor, whose duty was to uphold justice, instead condemns an innocent man while releasing a guilty insurrectionist. The crowd's choice of Barabbas, whose name possibly means "son of the father," over Jesus, the true Son of the Father, creates a stark **Contrast**, highlighting humanity's rejection of divine truth and preference for rebellion. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Pilate's act of "delivering" Jesus for scourging and crucifixion explicitly points toward the ultimate suffering and death of Christ, which is the central event of the Christian faith. The brutal details of scourging and crucifixion, though concisely stated, evoke a powerful sense of **Pathos**, inviting the reader to contemplate the immense physical and emotional suffering Jesus endured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 15:15 stands as a stark testament to the depth of human sin and the profound injustice that led to the cross, yet paradoxically, it also highlights the unfolding of God's sovereign plan of redemption. Pilate's act of delivering Jesus, though born of human weakness and political maneuvering, was a necessary step in God's eternal design for salvation. This moment underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement: an innocent man, Jesus, was condemned and suffered in the place of the guilty (represented by Barabbas and, by extension, all humanity). The scourging and crucifixion were not merely acts of human cruelty but integral parts of the divine sacrifice, through which Jesus bore the penalty for sin, offering reconciliation between God and humanity.

* [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "The Suffering Servant's Atoning Sacrifice"): "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."
* [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Made Sin for Us"): "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love in Christ's Death"): "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:15 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting not only the historical injustice against Jesus but also timeless truths about human nature, leadership, and divine love. Pilate's compromise, driven by a desire to "content the people," is a sobering reminder of the dangers of prioritizing popularity or political expediency over truth and righteousness. For believers, this challenges us to examine our own lives: are we willing to stand for what is right, even when it is unpopular or costly? Do we compromise our convictions to avoid conflict or gain approval? Furthermore, the verse vividly portrays the immense cost of sin, which necessitated the brutal suffering and death of the innocent Son of God. This should deepen our appreciation for God's immeasurable love, demonstrated in His willingness to allow His Son to endure such agony for our redemption. It calls us to respond with gratitude, repentance, and a commitment to live lives that honor His sacrifice, extending compassion to those who suffer unjustly and courageously advocating for truth in a world that often prefers convenience over conviction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise truth or righteousness to "content the people" or avoid conflict?**
* **How does Jesus' unjust suffering in Mark 15:15 deepen my understanding of God's love and the gravity of sin?**
* **What does Pilate's decision teach me about the responsibility of leadership and the consequences of moral cowardice?**
* **How can I better stand for justice and truth in my sphere of influence, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Why did Pilate release Barabbas instead of Jesus?**

Answer: Pilate released Barabbas primarily to "content the people" (Mark 15:15) and avoid a riot or further unrest, which could have jeopardized his standing with Caesar. It was a custom during the Passover festival for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd (Mark 15:6). Although Pilate recognized Jesus' innocence and attempted to release Him (Luke 23:4), the Jewish chief priests incited the crowd to demand Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer, be released instead. Pilate, fearing the volatile crowd and prioritizing political stability, succumbed to their demands, sacrificing justice for expediency.

**What was "scourging," and why was it done to Jesus?**

Answer: Scourging (Greek, `phragellóō`) was a brutal form of Roman flogging, typically administered with a whip (flagellum) embedded with pieces of bone, metal, or lead. It was designed to inflict extreme pain, tear the flesh, and often resulted in severe blood loss, shock, and even death. It was a common preliminary punishment before crucifixion, intended to weaken the condemned and hasten their death on the cross. Jesus was scourged as part of His condemnation to crucifixion, intensifying His suffering and fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53:5).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:15, though depicting an act of profound human injustice, is a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, finding its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pilate's act of "delivering" Jesus to be scourged and crucified, while a human decision, was simultaneously part of God's sovereign will, "the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). In this verse, we witness the innocent Lamb of God being led to slaughter, a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of many ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "The Suffering Servant Led to Slaughter")). The choice of Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist, to be released in place of Jesus, the innocent Messiah, powerfully illustrates the doctrine of substitutionary atonement: Jesus, the sinless one, took the place of the guilty, bearing the penalty that humanity deserved ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Made Sin for Us")). His scourging and crucifixion, though horrific, were the means by which He purchased our salvation, shedding His blood as the perfect sacrifice to atone for sin ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Remission")). Thus, Mark 15:15 is not merely a historical account of injustice but a foundational stone in the narrative of Christ's redemptive work, demonstrating the depth of God's love and the triumph of grace over sin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 19:1

¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Mark 10:34

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Psalms 129:3

The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows.

Psalms 57:11

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.