Mark 15:1  “…in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation…”
Meeting during the night was secretive and illegal according to Jewish law.  Men have never had a problem breaking the law or otherwise being deceitful even when they claim the moral high ground.  And they had to acquire what they wanted without being interrupted by others of the council who might have objected.  Once they had what they thought they needed, they had to have the approval of the whole council, in daylight, before going to Pilate.

3  “…accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing”
Again Jesus saw no reason to answer for false charges.  He told Pilate He was the King of the Jews which was the truth.  If it wasn’t the truth, He didn’t respond.

6  “…he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested”
I’m assuming this would be something of a political prisoner, someone who may not have been guilty of anything other than irritating the Romans.  It’s hard to imagine any advantage Pilate would gain by releasing a violent prisoner to them.  Normally, who would want a murderer released.  In this case, it shows the evil intent of the religious leaders.  They would rather have a known murderer and rebel released than Jesus.  One who was truly guilty of the things of which they accused Him.

19  “…and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him”
Just a reference to their actions.  Not true worship from the heart.  One wonders if this action came to the soldiers minds later, even after they died.  They had the true God in their midst and even bowed the knee to Him.  So close, yet so far.

21  “…they compelled a certain man…”
Total authority of the Romans over those not citizens.  No choice, but to do what is demanded.

24  “…they divided His garments…”
That His garments were taken is obvious.  The extent to which Jesus was naked is not mentioned.  Not sure how much covering was involved with the clothing of the time, so I don’t know if He was completely naked or if a loin cloth was left, if one was normally worn.  Other times one’s nakedness is mentioned in scripture, it is obvious from the context only the outer garments were removed.  None of the commentaries checked mentioned this.  Only concerned with the fact that the garments were divided except for the tunic for which they cast lots.

27  “…they also crucified two robbers…”
Were these not also considered for release as Barabbas.  Perhaps only political prisoners, rebels, were considered, not common lawbreakers.  The men may not have been Jewish.  Barabbas may have just been the one the rulers pushed the crowd for.

29  “…those who passed by…”
Had to be somewhere near where people were coming and going.  If it was near a small cliff or outcropping, perhaps it was visible from the road, and those going by could see.

32  “…that we may see and believe…”
But they wouldn’t have.  No amount of miracle would change their minds.

33  “…when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour”
Darkness from noon until three in the afternoon.  No total eclipse would last for three hours.

38  “…the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom”
No longer any need for a mediator between man and God other than Jesus Himself.

43  “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member…”
Pretty sure Joseph wasn’t invited to the secret meeting during the night.

43  “…coming and taking courage…”
Getting the body of Jesus would show he was a follower or at least a sympathizer.  He risked conflict with others on the council, although his amount of influence may have provided protection.  Commentary also suggested his apparent connection by asking for Jesus could have raised a question with the Romans.  But I don’t think that would be an issue.  Jesus wasn’t considered a true criminal.  Pilate found no fault and only crucified Him to appease the crowd.  I think Mark is showing that Joseph had been a secret follower thus far and was now showing boldness.  Perhaps like Nicodemus.

46  “…he bought fine linen…”
Took care with Jesus.  Wasn’t done sloppily or cheaply.

47  “…observed where He was laid”
Paid attention.  No possibility that they went to the wrong tomb later.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.