Mark 15:22

Analysis & Commentary

At crucifixion, 'they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull' (φέρουσιν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸν Γολγοθᾶν τόπον, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Κρανίου Τόπος). Golgotha (Γολγοθᾶν, from Aramaic gulgalta) means 'skull place'—possibly named for skull-shaped rock formation or as execution site. This was outside Jerusalem's walls (Hebrews 13:12), fulfilling requirements that sin offerings be burned outside the camp (Leviticus 16:27). Jesus, bearing our sin, suffered 'outside the gate' (Hebrews 13:12-13), experiencing rejection and bearing shame. The skull imagery foreshadows death—Jesus would die at 'death's place.' Yet His death defeated death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Hebrews 2:14-15). Golgotha became history's pivotal location—where sin was atoned and Satan defeated.

Historical Context

Golgotha's exact location is debated—traditional site is Church of the Holy Sepulchre (within current Old City walls but outside first-century walls); alternate site is 'Gordon's Calvary' north of Damascus Gate. Roman crucifixions occurred at public locations as deterrent. Victims carried crossbeams (patibulum) through streets to execution sites. Jesus collapsed under the cross's weight (weakened by scourging), requiring Simon of Cyrene to carry it (Mark 15:21). Crucifixion was Rome's cruelest punishment—slow death by asphyxiation, exposure, blood loss. Victims sometimes lasted days. Jesus died in six hours (Mark 15:25, 33-34, 37), unusually quick. The location outside city walls fulfilled typology—Levitical sin offerings burned outside camp (Leviticus 4:12, 21; 16:27), symbolizing sin's removal. Hebrews 13:11-13 explicitly connects this typology to Jesus' crucifixion.

Questions for Reflection

• What does Golgotha's name ('place of a skull') signify about Jesus confronting death itself at the cross?
• How does Jesus' crucifixion 'outside the gate' fulfill Old Testament typology of sin offerings removed from the camp?