Category:Flagellation of Jesus (subject)

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The Flagellation of Jesus / Christ at the Column / Scourging at the Pillar was an episode in the Passion of Jesus, according to the Gospels of Mark (15:15), Matthew (27:26), Luke (23-25), and John (19:1).

< ... Ministry of Jesus -> Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem -- Cleansing of the Temple -- Plot to Kill Jesus -- Anointing of Jesus -- Betrayal of Judas -- Last Supper -- Agony in the Garden -- Arrest of Jesus -- Trial of Jesus before the High Priest -- Peter's Denial -- Trial of Jesus before Pilate -- Trial of Jesus before Herod Antipas -- Barabbas -- Flagellation of Jesus -- Mocking of Jesus -- Crucifixion of Jesus -- Burial of Jesus -> Resurrection of Jesus ... >

Overview

Mark and Matthew state that after releasing Barabbas, Pilate had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified. In the Gospel of John also, the Flagellation of Jesus occurred after the episode of Barabbas, but still in the context of the Trial of Jesus before Pilate, before Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion.

In the Gospel of Luke there is no direct reference to the Flagellation of Jesus. Pilate is convinced of the innocence of Jesus and expresses his decision to have him flogged and released; unlike the other gospels, here the flagellation is presented as a punishment alternative to the crucifixion and nothing suggests that Jesus was both flogged and crucified.

Flogging was a common practice of interrogation of the prisoners and is likely that Jesus also was flogged by the Romans even before his case was put under the attention of Pilate; see the episode of Jesus ben Ananias narrated by Josephus.

Flagellation of Jesus, in ancient sources

Gospel of Mark

Gospel of Mark 15:15 (NRSV) -- [15] So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 27:26 (NRSV) -- 26 So he (=Pilate released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

Gospel of John

John 19:1 (NRSV) -- [1] Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.

Cf. Gospel of Luke

Luke 23:15-25 (NRSV) -- [15] ... [Pilate said:] "He (=Jesus) has done nothing to deserve death. [16] I will therefore have him flogged and release him." ... "I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him." ... 25 He (=Pilate) released the man (=Barabbas) they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.