Bible Commentary

Matthew 27:31

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:31

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

St. Matthew, omitting some details, hurries to the final scene. Took the robe off from him; i.e. the scarlet robe with which they had arrayed him (verse 28). Whether they removed the crown of thorns is uncertain.

The Lord is always depicted wearing it upon the cross. His own raiment ( τα Ì ἱμα ìτια αὐττοῦ, his garments). The term would include the outer and inner garments, especially the seamless tunic for which the soldiers cast lots (; ).

Thus unknowingly they were preparing to fulfil prophecy. Led him away to crucify him. This must have been about 9 a.m. Executions took place outside the city walls (see , ; ).

"The bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate" (, ).

Lange describes the procession: "Instead of being led forth by litters, the command of whom Pilate, as sub-governor, did not enjoy, Jesus is conducted to the cross by the soldiery. A centurion on horseback, called by Tacitus 'Exactor mortis,' by Seneca 'Centurio supplicio praepositus,' headed the company.

A herald, going in front of the condemned, proclaimed his sentence." Behind him walked the prisoner, bearing the instrument of his punishment; a small company of soldiers completed the cavalcade.

Recommended reading

More for Matthew 27:31

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66Matthew 27:1-66 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-31Matthew 27:11-31 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe actors in a momentous tragedy. The scene is laid in Jerusalem, in the palace of the Roman governor. The occasion is the trial of the Lord Jesus for his life. The whole human race and all the ages are interested. Beh…Christ Scourged and Derided; Christ Mocked by the SoldiersMatthew 27:26-32 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleCHRIST SCOURGED AND DERIDED; CHRIST MOCKED BY THE SOLDIERS. In these verses we have the preparatives for, and prefaces to, the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. Here is, I. The sentence passed, and the warrant signed for h…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:26-34Matthew 27:26-34 · The Pulpit CommentaryPreparations for the Crucifixion. I. THE SCOURGING. 1. It had been predicted. "I gave my back to the smiters," Isaiah said in the spirit of prophecy; and again, in words very solemn and very precious to sin-laden consci…Matthew Henry on Matthew 27:31-34Matthew 27:31-34 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryChrist was led as a Lamb to the slaughter, as a Sacrifice to the altar. Even the mercies of the wicked are really cruel. Taking the cross from him, they compelled one Simon to bear it. Make us ready, O Lord, to bear the…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:31-33Matthew 27:31-33 · The Pulpit CommentaryJesus is led to crucifixion. Via dolorosa. (Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16, John 19:17.) In these accounts, those of Matthew and Mark are most alike, though varied in expression and in some details; that of Lu…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66EXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-31The actors in a momentous tragedy. The scene is laid in Jerusalem, in the palace of the Roman governor. The occasion is the trial of the Lord Jesus for his life. The whole human race and all the ages are interested. Beh…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryChrist Scourged and Derided; Christ Mocked by the SoldiersCHRIST SCOURGED AND DERIDED; CHRIST MOCKED BY THE SOLDIERS. In these verses we have the preparatives for, and prefaces to, the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. Here is, I. The sentence passed, and the warrant signed for h…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:26-34Preparations for the Crucifixion. I. THE SCOURGING. 1. It had been predicted. "I gave my back to the smiters," Isaiah said in the spirit of prophecy; and again, in words very solemn and very precious to sin-laden consci…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 27:31-34Christ was led as a Lamb to the slaughter, as a Sacrifice to the altar. Even the mercies of the wicked are really cruel. Taking the cross from him, they compelled one Simon to bear it. Make us ready, O Lord, to bear the…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:31-33Jesus is led to crucifixion. Via dolorosa. (Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16, John 19:17.) In these accounts, those of Matthew and Mark are most alike, though varied in expression and in some details; that of Lu…Joseph S. Exell and contributors