Bible Commentaries

The Trial Before Pilate. The Crucifixion

1-15. Trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:11; Luke 23:1, Luke 23:13; John 18:28). See on Mt and Jn. For the trial before Herod see on Luke 23:6.

16-20. The mockery (Matthew 27:27). See on Mt.

16. Prætorium] see on John 18:28.

21-41. The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:31; Luke 23:26; John 19:16). See on Mt, Lk, Jn.

21. Alexander and Rufus] These names occur only in Mk. They were clearly Christians of eminence, well known in the Roman Church for which this Gospel was composed. Rufus is probably the Rufus of Romans 16:13, where he is called 'chosen in the Lord.' Who Alexander was, is unknown. It is unlikely that he is identical with any of the other Alexanders mentioned in NT. (Acts 19:33; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14).

28. Nearly all modern editors omit this v. It is generally regarded as interpolated from Luke 22:37, which, however, is not parallel.

31. Himself he cannot save] RM 'Can he not save himself?'

40. The less] i.e. the little, generally identified with the son of Alphæus (Matthew 10:3).

42-47. Burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:57; Luke 23:50; John 19:38). See on Mt and Jn.

43. Waited for the kingdom of God] cp. Luke 2:25, Luke 2:38. This, which is also St. Luke's expression, answers to St. Matthew's, 'who also himself was Jesus' disciple.' Joseph had discovered the King of the Kingdom for which he waited.

44. Whether, etc.] RM 'Whether he were already dead.'

47. Mary the mother of Joses] lit. 'Mary of Joses' (or 'of Joseph,' for that spelling is also strongly supported). Who was this Mary? She can hardly be the same as the 'Mary of James' in Mark 16:1, for the evangelist (even if drawing from different sources) would hardly describe the same woman as 'of Joses' and 'of James' in two consecutive verses. Nor is it easy to identify her with Mary the mother of James and Joses (Mark 15:40). She is not called 'Mary the another of James and Joses,' or even 'Mary of James and Joses,' but simply 'Mary of Joses' (or 'Joseph'). Hence it is most natural to translate, 'Mary the daughter of Joses' (Joseph), and to regard her as the daughter (or just possibly the wife) of Joseph of Arimathæa, or of some unknown Joses (Joseph).