Book of Mark - Chapter 15 - Verse 16

When Jesus was handed over to be crucified, the soldiers led Him into the hall called Praetorium. The Praetorium was the official residence of the Roman governor in Jerusalem, and this was where Pilate, the governor at the time, conducted his business. The soldiers who led Jesus into the Praetorium were likely Roman soldiers under Pilate's command. The mention of the soldiers calling together the whole band indicates that a large group of soldiers gathered around Jesus, possibly to mock Him or carry out the orders given to them by Pilate. This moment in Jesus' journey to the cross highlights the political and military power at play in His arrest and crucifixion. It is a significant event in the passion narrative, as it marks the beginning of the final stages of Jesus' earthly ministry and the fulfillment of His mission to die for the sins of humanity.

One interesting aspect of this verse from the Gospel of Mark is the mention of the soldiers leading Jesus into the hall, called Praetorium, where they later gathered the whole band. The term "Praetorium" refers to the residence of a high-ranking Roman official or military commander. This detail highlights the Roman influence and control over the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. The mention of the soldiers calling together the whole band also emphasizes the organized and coordinated effort to arrest and try Jesus. The word "band" in this context refers to a cohort or unit of Roman soldiers, further illustrating the extent of Roman involvement in the proceedings. This verse underscores the role of the Roman authorities in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and sets the stage for what is to come in the subsequent verses.