So the crowd went upThe crowd's movement towards Pilate indicates a collective action, reflecting the influence of the religious leaders who had stirred them up. This scene takes place in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, a time when the city was filled with Jewish pilgrims. The crowd's behavior is reminiscent of the mob mentality seen in other biblical events, such as the rebellion against Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 16).
and began asking Pilate
Pilate, the Roman governor, held the authority to release a prisoner during the festival, a custom meant to appease the Jewish populace. The crowd's approach to Pilate highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish expectations. Pilate's role is crucial, as he is depicted as a reluctant participant in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, echoing the prophecy of a suffering servant who would be rejected by His own people (Isaiah 53:3).
to keep his custom
The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover is not documented outside the Gospels, but it aligns with Roman practices of placating subjugated peoples. This act of clemency was likely intended to maintain peace and order. The crowd's insistence on this custom underscores their desire for a political savior, contrasting with Jesus' mission as a spiritual redeemer. This moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies of His suffering and death (Psalm 22,Isaiah 53).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The CrowdA group of people present at the trial of Jesus, likely consisting of various individuals from Jerusalem and surrounding areas. They play a crucial role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion by demanding the release of Barabbas over Jesus.
2.
PilatePontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who is responsible for overseeing the trial of Jesus. He is depicted as a figure torn between his own judgment and the demands of the crowd.
3.
BarabbasA prisoner mentioned in the context of this passage, known for insurrection and murder. The crowd chooses to release him instead of Jesus, highlighting the irony and injustice of the situation.
4.
The CustomRefers to the practice of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival, a tradition that Pilate is expected to uphold.
5.
Passover FestivalA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is during this time that the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion unfold.
Teaching Points
The Influence of the CrowdThe crowd's decision-making process serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob mentality and the pressure to conform to popular opinion, even when it contradicts moral truth.
The Role of LeadershipPilate's struggle between his own judgment and the demands of the crowd highlights the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice, even in the face of public pressure.
The Irony of InjusticeThe choice of Barabbas over Jesus illustrates the profound irony and injustice of the situation, reminding believers of the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyThese events fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's rejection and suffering, reinforcing the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Personal Reflection on ChoicesBelievers are encouraged to reflect on their own choices and the influences that shape them, striving to align their decisions with biblical truth rather than societal pressures.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 15:8?
2.How does Mark 15:8 demonstrate the influence of the crowd on Pilate?
3.What can we learn about human nature from the crowd's behavior in Mark 15:8?
4.How does Mark 15:8 connect with Old Testament prophecies about Jesus' trial?
5.How can we resist peer pressure in light of Mark 15:8?
6.What does Mark 15:8 teach about standing firm in our convictions?
7.Why did the crowd demand Barabbas' release in Mark 15:8 instead of Jesus?
8.How does Mark 15:8 reflect human nature's tendency to choose wrongly?
9.What historical evidence supports the custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 15?
11.Who was Barabbas in the Bible?
12.What led to Jesus's crucifixion?
13.In Matthew 27:15-26, the tradition of releasing a prisoner at Passover is mentioned; where is the historical evidence for this practice?
14.Why is Pilate surprised that Jesus died so quickly (Mark 15:44-45), when crucifixion typically lasted longer?What Does Mark 15:8 Mean
SoThe little word “So” links what follows to what has already taken place. Pilate has just offered to release a prisoner as part of a Passover tradition (Mark 15:6-7). By using “So,” Mark signals a cause-and-effect flow: because Pilate spoke of the custom, something stirred in the crowd.
• Cross reference:John 18:39 sets the same scene, “But it is your custom that I release to you one at the Passover…”.
• The narrative pivots here—from Pilate’s proposal to the people’s response—showing human responsibility alongside God’s sovereign plan (Acts 2:23).
the crowd went upCrowds have been a recurring feature in Mark, often fickle and easily swayed (Mark 11:9-10; 14:43). Here they move toward Pilate’s judgment seat inside the governor’s headquarters.
• Their motion “went up” pictures eagerness; they do not passively wait.
• Earlier, the same masses welcomed Jesus with “Hosanna!” (Mark 11:9). Now they gather with a very different intention—underscoring how quickly public sentiment can shift when truth confronts human expectations (Jeremiah 17:9).
and began asking PilateTheir request is polite on the surface yet charged with manipulation underneath.
• Pilate, the Roman prefect, holds power of life and death, but he finds himself pressured by popular opinion (Proverbs 29:25).
•Luke 23:18 records, “But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’”. Mark highlights the start of that demand.
• The moment exposes human nature: people prefer a political deliverer of their own choosing to the true Deliverer God has sent (John 1:11).
to keep his customThe “custom” was the annual release of one prisoner during Passover (Matthew 27:15). The crowd is not asking for justice but for tradition—whatever serves their immediate desire.
• Ironically, the feast commemorates Israel’s liberation from bondage (Exodus 12), yet the people choose Barabbas and reject the only One who can free them from sin (John 8:36).
• Pilate’s custom, though secular, becomes the stage on which God’s redemptive plan unfolds, fulfillingIsaiah 53:3-5.
• Even the enemy’s schemes serve God’s purpose: Christ, “handed over by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge,” is crucified by lawless men (Acts 2:23).
summaryMark 15:8 shows a crowd propelled by tradition and peer pressure, stepping forward to prod Pilate into releasing a prisoner. Their action reveals the volatile nature of human allegiance and sets in motion the formal rejection of Jesus. Yet, amid their plea for the governor’s customary release, God is orchestrating the ultimate Passover substitution: the innocent Lamb taking the place of the guilty.
(8)
As he had ever done unto them.--More accurately,
as he ever used to do unto them.Verse 8. -
And the multitude went up and Began to ask him to doas he was wont to do unto them.Went up (
ἀναβὰς). This is the reading to be preferred to the old reading, "crying aloud" (
ἀναβοήσας). The reading
ἀναβὰς is supported by the Sinaitic, the Vatican, and the Cambridge manuscripts; also by the Old Italic, the Gothic, and other versions. The AEthiopic Version combines the two," going up and crying aloud." The geographical position of Pilate's residence quite justifies the use of the term
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[So]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crowdὄχλος(ochlos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.went upἀναβὰς(anabas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 305:To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.[and] beganἤρξατο(ērxato)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 756:To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.asking [Pilate]αἰτεῖσθαι(aiteisthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle
Strong's 154:To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.to keep his custom.καθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.
Links
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NT Gospels: Mark 15:8 The multitude crying aloud began to ask (Mar Mk Mr) 
