Mark 15:3-5

The chief priests, speaking for the Sanhedrin, brought many other charges against Jesus, some of which Luke mentioned (cf. Luke 23:2). Jesus’ failure to defend Himself against so many accusations amazed Pilate (cf. Isaiah 53:7).

Ironically Pilate himself declared who Jesus was with his inscription over His cross: the king of the Jews (Mark 15:28). Jesus did not need to tell Pilate who he was. Pilate was going to give Him His proper title anyway. This is another indication of Jesus’ authority in the political realm. [Note: Edwards, p. 224.]

Mark used a double negative in the Greek text (ouketi ouden) to describe Jesus’ absolute silence. In English two negatives make a positive, but in Greek two negatives strengthen the force of the negative. Mark recorded Jesus replying only briefly to Caiaphas (Mark 14:62) and to Pilate. This is consistent with Mark’s emphasis on Jesus as the Servant of the Lord.

Only Luke recorded that Pilate now sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who was also in Jerusalem for the feast, since Jesus was a Galilean and Herod ruled over Galilee (Luke 23:6-12). Herod then sent Jesus back to Pilate.