Mark 15:6

Now at [that] feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

Now {G1161} at {G2596} that feast {G1859} he released {G630} unto them {G846} one {G1520} prisoner {G1198}, whomsoever {G3746} they desired {G154}.

Now during a festival, Pilate used to set free one prisoner, whomever the crowd requested.

Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.

Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

Mark 15:6 describes a significant moment during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, setting the stage for the crowd's fateful choice.

Context

This verse refers to an established custom during the Jewish feast of Passover (Pesach), where the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, would release one prisoner to the crowd. This practice, though not explicitly mentioned in other historical records, is consistently described in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:15, Luke 23:17, John 18:39), suggesting it was either a unique gesture by Pilate to appease the Jewish populace during a volatile festival or a localized custom in Judea. At this particular feast, the choice would be between Jesus, whom Pilate found innocent, and Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer. The subsequent verses reveal the crowd's clamor for Barabbas's release over Jesus, leading to Jesus' condemnation (Mark 15:7-15).

Key Themes

  • The Custom of Release: The verse highlights a unique tradition that inadvertently plays a pivotal role in the divine plan. It underscores the tension between Roman authority and Jewish custom during this critical period.
  • The Power of Popular Demand: The phrase "whomsoever they desired" emphasizes the crowd's power to influence judicial outcomes, even against the better judgment of the ruling authority. This foreshadows the unjust condemnation of Jesus, driven by popular outcry rather than justice.
  • Foreshadowing of Barabbas: While not named in this specific verse, the "one prisoner" implicitly points to Barabbas, whose release is central to the narrative. The choice between the innocent Son of God and a guilty insurrectionist dramatically illustrates the world's rejection of truth and acceptance of sin. This exchange serves as a powerful illustration of substitutionary atonement, where a guilty man is set free while an innocent one takes his place, a concept central to the prophecy of the suffering servant.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV's use of "[that]" in brackets indicates that the word is supplied by the translators for clarity, as it is not explicitly present in the original Greek text (τῇ ἑορτῇ - tē heortē, "at the feast"). However, the definite article "the" strongly implies a specific, well-known feast, which is undoubtedly Passover in this context.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, sets the stage for profound theological truths. It reminds us of:

  • The Nature of Justice: Human justice can be swayed by popular opinion, political expediency, or personal prejudice, often failing to uphold true righteousness.
  • The Cost of Freedom: The spiritual freedom we experience in Christ comes at the immense cost of His innocent life being exchanged for the guilty, echoing the choice made by the crowd. This highlights the concept of liberty found in Christ through His sacrifice.
  • Our Own Choices: We are continually presented with choices, much like the crowd. Do we choose the path of truth and righteousness, or are we swayed by worldly desires and popular trends?
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 18:39

    But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

  • John 18:40

    Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

  • Acts 24:27

    But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

  • Acts 25:9

    But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

  • Matthew 27:15

    Now at [that] feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

  • Matthew 27:26

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

  • Matthew 26:5

    But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.

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