The trial of Jesus before Pilate and the politics of representation in Mark 15

Abstract

Given the Roman court procedures and the interaction between Jewish and Roman powers, the trial of Jesus before Pilate in Mark 15:1–15 presents challenges for both historical and theological interpretation. Central to the discussion is the narrative’s potential intent to shift culpability from Roman officials to Jewish leaders, raising questions about historical reliability and ideological motives. This study employs a historical-critical approach to analyse the trial of Jesus before Pilate within the socio-political context of 1st-century Roman-occupied Judea. This study examines Roman legal practices, Jewish historiographical traditions and intertextual scriptural references to assess the plausibility of the events. Special focus is placed on Pilate’s portrayal, the custom of releasing a prisoner and Jesus as the ‘King of the Jews’. This paper offers a historically grounded interpretation that highlights the narrative’s theological articulation of Jesus’ identity and its response to early Christian socio-political tensions, providing insights into perceptions of power, authority and identity in the Gospel of Mark.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This study examines the socio-political dynamics of 1st-century Judea, with a focus on the interactions between Romans and Jews during Jesus’ trial. It examines Roman legal practices and Jewish traditions to assess the historical plausibility of Mark’s narrative. The study also highlights the theological implications of Jesus being referred to as ‘King of the Jews’ and Pilate’s role. It offers a nuanced perspective on early Christian identity, addressing the complex interplay of political tensions and power structures.