Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 19:1

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him." — John 19:1 (ASV)

The flogging of Jesus (see comment on Mk 15:15) was the usual accompaniment of crucifixion. Evidently Pilate intended to make an appeal to the sympathy of the mob, hoping that by scourging Jesus, they would call for his release.