The Crucifixion
Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. Mark 15:6 · Berean Standard Bible
Every year at the Passover feast, Pilate would release one prisoner, whoever the crowd asked for.
This custom becomes the stage for one of the most dramatic choices in history: the people will soon choose between Jesus and a convicted murderer.
Mark explains the annual Passover tradition.
It was supposed to be a generous tradition of mercy. Instead, it becomes the tool the crowd uses to send Jesus to the cross.
Mark introduces the custom of releasing one prisoner during the heorte (feast) of Passover, a practice known as the privilegium paschale.
While no extra-biblical source confirms this specific Passover amnesty, similar prisoner releases during festivals are attested in Roman provincial administration.
The narrator explains the festival custom that will factor into Jesus' fate.
A Passover tradition of releasing a prisoner becomes the mechanism through which the crowd will choose between Jesus and Barabbas.
4Then Pilate questioned Him again, “Have You no answer? Look how many charges they are bringing against You!”
5But to Pilate’s amazement, Jesus made no further reply.
6Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.
7And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.
8So the crowd went up and began asking Pilate to keep his custom.
Read all of Mark 15 — Pilate washes his hands, soldiers mock the King of Kings, and darkness covers the land. The curtain in the temple tears from top to bottom.
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