See the notes at Matthew 26:57-68.

Mocked him, and smote him - This and the following verses are placed by Matthew and Mark before the relation of Peter's denial. For their explanation, see on Matthew 26:67, Matthew 26:68 (note).

(20) And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].
(20) Christ bore the shame that was due for our sins.

And the men that held Jesus,.... Whilst he was before the sanhedrim; and were either the Roman soldiers, or the servants of the high priest, who kept hold of him all the while, lest he should get away; though there was no reason for it; his time was come, nor would he escape out of their hands, though he could easily have rescued himself:
mocked him; insulted him, and gave him very opprobrious language, and used him in a very scurrilous way, and even spit upon him;
and smote him. This clause is left out in the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions; the word used, signifies plucking off the skin; they pinched him, and tore off his flesh with their nails; they plucked the hairs of his beard, and the skin of his cheeks along with them, and so fulfilled Isaiah 50:6.

Those that condemned Jesus for a blasphemer, were the vilest blasphemers. He referred them to his second coming, for the full proof of his being the Christ, to their confusion, since they would not admit the proof of it to their conviction. He owns himself to be the Son of God, though he knew he should suffer for it. Upon this they ground his condemnation. Their eyes being blinded, they rush on. Let us meditate on this amazing transaction, and consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.

For notes on these indignities, see Matthew 26:67 and Mark 14:65.

Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65.