ACC ~ Mark 15 v13

PILATE’S ASSUMPTION OF JESUS’ INNOCENCE

AUGUSTINE: Mark, who studies brevity more than any of the Evangelists, has given a concise indication of Pilate’s desire and of his efforts to save the Lord’s life. For, after giving us the statement, “And they cried again, ‘Crucify him’” (which makes it clear that they had cried out before for Barabbas to be released), he has appended these words: “Then Pilate continued to say [1] to them,”Why, what evil has he done?” [2] Thus by one short sentence he has given us an idea of matters which took a long time for their transaction. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 3.13.47. [3]

[1] In what follows, Augustine argues that Pilate continued to ask what evil Jesus had done. Time is telescoped into one short phrase.

[2] Mt 27:22-23; Mk 15:13-14; Lk 23:21-22.

[3] Cetedoc 0273, 3.13.47.332.18; NPNF 1 6:201*. Mark, who may have been addressing a Roman audience, pointedly indicated that Pilate made repeated efforts to provide a fair trial.

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