Ver. 1. And straightway in the morning] They thought once to have deferred his execution till after the feast, Mark 14:2. But their malice was restless, as his was that said he would not away till he saw the martyr’s (the traitor’s he called him) heart out.
Ver. 2. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:1”] [See Trapp on “Mt 27:2”] [See Trapp on “Mt 27:3”]
Ver. 6. Now at the feast] Or, at each great feast, καθ εορτην, viz. at the Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The reason of this custom: [See Trapp on “Mt 27:15”]
Ver. 15. When he had scourged him] Purposely to move the people to pity him, and therefore brought him forth so misused, with, “Behold the man.” But this was ill done of Pilate nevertheless, as was also his comparing with Barabbas, though with intent so to have delivered him. For we may not do evil that good may come thereof.
Ver. 21. And they compel one Simon] αγγαρευουσι, cogunt invitum. We all come off heavily, and shrink in the shoulder when called to carry the cross, as Peter did, John 21:18. The father of Alexander and Rufus] Men famously known in the Church, and therefore here but named only. God will recompense even involuntary services.
Ver. 22. St Mark very diligently describeth what happened at Calvary; what Christ did and said on the cross, what was done and said to him there, how he gave up the ghost, &c., that we might have these things as ready, and at our fingers’ ends, as he had who wrote the whole history of our Saviour’s passion upon the nails of his hands.
Ver. 23. Wine mingled with myrrh] This was not the same potion with that in Mark 15:36 Mt 27:48, but another.
Ver. 25. They crucified him] i.e. they began to crucify him, but nailed him not to the tree till the sixth hour, John 19:14.
Ver. 26. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:37”]
Ver. 33. Darkness over the whole land] Portending doubtless those dreadful calamities that were coming upon this perverse people, according to Isaiah 5:30 8:22 La 3:1,2; but clearly showing God’s heavy displeasure against his Son, our surety, which made him also cry out with a loud voice in the next verse, as one so far forsaken, as not afforded the common benefit of sunlight.
Ver. 34. Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani] Psalms 22:1. It is thought by some that he repeated the whole of Psalm 22, which is an admirable narration of the passion, and might well help him the better to bear it.
Ver. 35. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:47”]
Ver. 36. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:48”]
Ver. 37. He gave up the ghost] After which he went not to Limbus Patrum to preach there, as Papists dote, and would deduce it from 1 Peter 3:19.
Ver. 38. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:51”]
Ver. 39. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:54”] [See Trapp on “Mt 27:55”]
Ver. 40. James the less] viz. In stature, note, or age.
Ver. 41. Followed him and ministered] See Luke 8:3.
Ver. 42. The day before the sabbath] Their preparation to the sabbath began at three o’clock in the afternoon. The Jews of Tiberias began their sabbath sooner than others; those at Tsepphore continued it longer; adding de profano ad sacrum. (Buxtorf.) Among our forefathers, at the ringing of the bell to prayer on Saturday evening, the husbandman would stop his labour in the field, and the tradesman his work in the shop, and set themselves to prepare for the sabbath. Among the Jews to this day in many cities, there is one goes about and proclaims the approaching of the sabbath, about half an hour before it begins, that they may prepare.
Ver. 43. Went in boldly unto Pilate] It was boldly done indeed, thus to oppose, not the Jews only, but Pilate in that which he had done to Christ. Good blood will not belie itself.
Ver. 44. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:58”]
Ver. 45. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:58”]
Ver. 46. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:59”] [See Trapp on “Mt 27:60”]
Ver. 47. [See Trapp on “Mt 27:61”]