Mark 15:3

KJV

And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the chief priests {G749} accused {G2723} him {G846} of many things {G4183}: but {G1161} he {G846} answered {G611} nothing {G3762}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The head cohanim too made accusations against him,

Berean Standard Bible

And the chief priests began to accuse Him of many things.

American Standard Version

And the chief priests accused him of many things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:3 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's trial before Pontius Pilate, where the chief priests relentlessly brought forth numerous accusations against Him. In stark contrast to their fervent charges, the verse highlights Jesus's profound and deliberate silence, a response that was not born of fear or guilt, but of sovereign intent and a deeper fulfillment of divine prophecy, underscoring His unique identity and mission amidst profound injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 15:3 is situated within the climactic Passion narrative, immediately following Jesus's transfer from the Jewish Sanhedrin to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The preceding verses (Mark 15:1-2) establish that the chief priests, having condemned Jesus for blasphemy (a religious charge, as seen in [Mark 14:64](/mark/14-64 "Mark 14:64 - Sanhedrin's Verdict")), delivered Him to Pilate, the only authority capable of issuing a death sentence. Pilate's initial question regarding Jesus's kingship (Mark 15:2) sets the stage for the political nature of the subsequent accusations. This verse, therefore, marks the intensification of the legal proceedings, transitioning from a religious tribunal to a Roman court, where the charges shift to sedition and rebellion against Caesar.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is Roman-occupied Judea during the Passover festival, a time of heightened political tension due to the large influx of Jewish pilgrims. Pontius Pilate, as the Roman prefect, held ultimate judicial and military authority. Jewish religious leaders, while possessing significant internal autonomy, were forbidden by Rome from executing capital punishment. Thus, their objective in bringing Jesus to Pilate was to secure a death sentence by framing Jesus as a political threat, rather than merely a religious one. The accusations of "many things" likely included claims of Him forbidding tribute to Caesar and claiming to be a king, charges designed to provoke Pilate's intervention and condemnation, as seen in parallel accounts like [Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusations before Pilate").
* **Key Themes:** Mark 15:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **False Accusation and Injustice**, portraying Jesus, the innocent Son of God, as the victim of baseless charges driven by envy and malice from the religious establishment (cf. [Mark 15:10](/mark/15-10 "Mark 15:10 - Pilate's Awareness of Envy")). Secondly, Jesus's **Profound Silence** in the face of these "many things" is a central theme. This is not a sign of guilt but a deliberate act of submission to the Father's will and a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly the Suffering Servant passages in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence"). His silence speaks volumes, demonstrating His dignity, self-control, and sovereign purpose. Finally, the verse implicitly highlights **Divine Sovereignty**; despite the intense human plotting and legal manipulation, God's predetermined plan for salvation is unfolding precisely as intended, with the chief priests unwittingly serving as instruments in the ultimate redemptive act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accused (Greek, _katēgoréō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "plaintiff," this term signifies to bring a formal charge or accusation against someone, particularly in a legal context. Here, it highlights the chief priests' role as active prosecutors, presenting a case against Jesus before the Roman authority. The verb implies a sustained and deliberate effort to condemn.
* **many things (Greek, _polýs'_):** This word, often translated as "much" or "many," emphasizes the sheer volume and variety of the accusations leveled against Jesus. It suggests a barrage of charges, likely encompassing both the religious blasphemy they had condemned Him for and new political charges designed to sway Pilate, such as sedition or claiming to be a king in opposition to Caesar. The multitude of charges underscores the desperation and malice of His accusers.
* **answered nothing (Greek, _apokrínomai_ and _oudeís'_):** The combination of "answered" (to respond) and "nothing" (not even one, none) conveys a complete and absolute lack of response from Jesus. It is not merely a general quietness but a specific, deliberate refusal to engage with or refute any of the numerous charges. This profound silence is a powerful act of self-control and intentionality, contrasting sharply with the torrent of accusations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the chief priests accused him of many things":** This clause sets the scene of the trial, emphasizing the relentless and multifaceted nature of the opposition Jesus faced. The "chief priests" represent the highest religious authority, driven by envy and a desire to eliminate Jesus. Their accusations were not singular but numerous, indicating a concerted effort to overwhelm and condemn Him, likely shifting from religious charges (blasphemy) to political ones (sedition) to secure a Roman death sentence.
* **"but he answered nothing":** This second clause stands in stark contrast to the first, highlighting Jesus's remarkable and deliberate silence. Despite the gravity and multitude of the charges, Jesus offered no defense, no rebuttal, and no explanation. This silence is profoundly significant, signaling His sovereign control over the situation, His submission to the Father's will, and His fulfillment of prophetic expectations regarding the Suffering Servant who would not open His mouth.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 15:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, placing the clamorous "many things" of the chief priests' accusations in direct opposition to Jesus's profound "answered nothing." This stark contrast highlights the deliberate nature of Jesus's silence and amplifies its theological weight. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play: the innocent Son of God, who spoke truth and life, now stands silent while false accusations are hurled by those who claim to represent God. His silence, rather than indicating guilt, proclaims His sovereign authority and sinlessness. Furthermore, the scene carries significant **Foreshadowing**, particularly for readers familiar with the Old Testament. Jesus's silence directly echoes the prophecies of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah, who "opened not his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")), thereby signaling that this moment is a fulfillment of divine purpose, not a random act of injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jesus's silence in Mark 15:3 is a profound theological statement, not merely a tactical maneuver. It signifies His absolute submission to the Father's will and His identity as the willing sacrifice for humanity's sin. By refusing to defend Himself against false accusations, Jesus demonstrates a divine humility and trust, allowing the preordained plan of redemption to unfold. His silence before His accusers speaks louder than any words, embodying the perfect Lamb of God who bears the sins of the world without protest, accepting the judgment due to humanity. This act of self-emptying (kenosis) is central to His atoning work, as He willingly embraces the path of suffering to secure salvation.

* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")
* [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus's Silence Before Pilate")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 15:3 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often marked by injustice and false accusations. Jesus's example of dignified silence in the face of overwhelming opposition teaches us that not every accusation requires a defense, and not every lie needs to be refuted by our own words. Sometimes, the most powerful response is quiet trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. This passage calls us to cultivate a Christ-like humility, recognizing that our vindication ultimately rests with God, not with our ability to argue our case. It encourages us to discern when to speak truth boldly and when to remain silent, trusting that God is at work even in chaotic or unjust circumstances, guiding events toward His redemptive purposes. Our focus should be on faithfully fulfilling God's will, even if it means enduring misunderstanding or suffering, knowing that He will ultimately bring truth to light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations might Jesus's silence be a model for my own response to false accusations or injustice?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereignty, even in moments of apparent defeat, impact my reaction to difficult circumstances?**
* **What does Jesus's deliberate silence reveal about His character and His mission, and how can I embody similar humility and intentionality?**
* **When is it appropriate to speak up, and when is it more Christ-like to remain silent in the face of opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus remain silent when accused of so many things?**

Answer: Jesus's silence was not a sign of guilt or fear, but a deliberate and profound act with multiple layers of significance. Theologically, it fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the Suffering Servant who would "not open his mouth" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). It demonstrated His sovereign control over the situation, His willingness to submit to the Father's plan for redemption, and His refusal to engage with baseless accusations when His ultimate purpose was to bear the sins of the world. His silence underscored His dignity, humility, and the unique nature of His mission, where His suffering was a necessary part of God's redemptive work.

**What does Jesus's silence teach us about responding to false accusations?**

Answer: Jesus's silence in Mark 15:3 provides a powerful model for believers facing false accusations or injustice. It teaches us that not every accusation requires a verbal defense. Sometimes, maintaining a dignified silence, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, is the most profound and Christ-like response. It encourages us to prioritize God's will over self-vindication, to exercise self-control, and to remember that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from winning an argument. This doesn't mean always remaining silent, but discerning when our words would be futile and when our quiet submission speaks more powerfully.

**How does this event relate to God's sovereignty?**

Answer: Mark 15:3 powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, even amidst human malice and injustice. Despite the chief priests' fervent efforts to condemn Jesus and Pilate's political maneuvering, these events were not outside of God's control. Rather, they were part of His predetermined plan for salvation. The very accusations and the subsequent crucifixion, though carried out by human hands, were orchestrated by divine providence to fulfill prophecy and accomplish atonement for sin. This demonstrates that even the darkest moments of human history can serve God's ultimate redemptive purposes, as seen in passages like [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreknowledge and Plan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 15:3, with its stark portrayal of Jesus's silence in the face of relentless accusations, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the heart of His redemptive mission. His refusal to answer is not passivity but an active, willing embrace of His role as the sinless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In His silence, Jesus bears the weight of humanity's guilt and shame, absorbing the false charges and the ultimate judgment that we deserved. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), and His silence before His accusers foreshadows His ultimate silence on the cross, where He would offer no resistance to the forces of death and sin, but willingly lay down His life. This moment underscores His perfect obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")), His profound humility, and His identity as our High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His silence is thus a powerful testament to His atoning work, securing our justification through His suffering and demonstrating the depth of His love for humanity.

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

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Matthew 27:12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Mark 14:60

And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

Mark 14:61

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Mark 15:5

But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

John 19:12

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

John 18:29

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?