Totally NOT a debate about the veracity of the gospels

[Fromper]

Purple was the imperial color in Ancient Rome.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple

Purple was the color worn by Roman Emperors and magistrates, and later by Roman Catholic bishops. Since that time, purple has been commonly associated with royalty and piety.

This detail seems like a little gloss added to the story for the benefit of a gentile audience.

The paludamentum was a military cloak normally worn by a commander but the color was not really standardized. Julius Caesar was known for wearing a scarlet cloak in battle.

Purple has traditionally been one of the most expensive clothing dye colors to acquire, which is why it's been associated with people of wealth and station throughout most of western history.

Yes, the Bible contains contradictions. I think we all knew that. Was there a specific reason you wanted to point out this particular contradiction to the rest of us?

You said "This is what clinched it for me." Clinched what for you? The realization that the Bible contradicts itself?

Its following on from another thread.

And what in clinched for me was that the bible was at best a record of remarkable events, rather than the inerrant word of God.

I suspected that I might be missing some back story here, which is why I asked.