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Matthew 27:26-31

King James Version (KJV)

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— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

26. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified. 27. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band [of soldiers]. 28. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put [it] upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30. And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify [him].

Matthew 27:26-31 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 27:26

Theological / Devotional

Scourged Jesus. In vs. 26–31, as often elsewhere (see pp. 191, 192), Matthew departs from strict chronological order, his purpose being to complete Pilate’s part in the narrative before turning to that of the soldiers (v. 26; cf. v. 31). The mockery of vs. 27–31 actually preceded the scourging and release for crucifixion of vs. 26, 31. There were two scourgings, the purpose of the first being to elicit the approval of the mob for releasing Jesus (Luke 23:16, 20, 22; John 19:1), and that of the second, punishment preliminary to crucifixion (Matt. 27:26; Mark 15:15). Josephus (War ii. 14. 9 [306]) states that Florus, a later Roman governor of Judea, flogged certain inhabitants of Jerusalem prior to their execution. For a description of flogging as administered by the Jews see on 10:17.

Delivered him. Pilate acceded to the demand that Jesus be crucified, and passed sentence accordingly (see Luke 23:24). In doing so Pilate surrendered every iota of justice and mercy to the bloodthirsty leaders and those who followed them.

By SdaBc