Mark 15:42
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 15:42
42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
Chapter Context
Mark 15 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, love, wisdom. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 15:42
42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
Analysis
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath—Mark notes the timing precisely: evening had arrived (approximately 3-6 PM). Preparation refers to Friday, the day before Sabbath when Jews prepared meals and completed work prohibited on Sabbath. The timing was urgent—Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) required executed criminals' bodies not remain hanging overnight. This urgency intensified before Sabbath, when burial work became prohibited. Bodies had to be taken down and buried before sunset Friday evening. Jesus's followers had perhaps two hours to secure Pilate's permission, retrieve the body, and complete burial. Theologically, the timing fulfilled Scripture—Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:23 in Galatians 3:13: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion typically left bodies hanging as carrion—maximizing deterrent effect. Roman authorities generally did not release crucified criminals' bodies for burial. However, governors could grant exceptions during Jewish festivals to avoid riot. Pilate's release of Jesus's body was unusual but politically expedient. This preparation day was Friday, Nisan 15 (or Nisan 14 per John's chronology). The convergence of crucifixion, Passover, and Sabbath created urgent timeline—Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), died on Preparation Day as Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the temple.
Reflection
- How does the urgency of burial before Sabbath illustrate God's sovereign orchestration of redemptive history's details?
- What does Jesus bearing the curse of hanging on a tree reveal about substitutionary atonement?
- How does Jesus's death as the Passover Lamb during Passover preparation deepen understanding of His sacrifice's meaning?