Matthew 27:17

"They had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas."

Key Reflection

In the first-century Roman province of Judea, when Pilate presented Barabbas to the crowd, they were considering a prisoner known for his violent rebellion against Rome—a stark contrast to Jesus, who was accused of threatening the peace by claiming kingship. The original audience would have understood that choosing Barabbas over Jesus highlighted the people's preference for resistance against Roman authority over submission to the occupying power, even if it meant freeing a notorious criminal.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 17. Whom will ye that I release, etc. Pilate was satisfied of the innocence of Jesus, Lu 23:13-16 he was therefore desirous of releasing him. He expected to release one to the people. He knew that Jesus, though condemned by the chief priests, was yet popular among the people. He therefore attempted in this manner to rescue him from the hands of the priests, and expected that the people would prefer him to an odious and infamous robber and murderer. Had the people been left to themselves, it would probably have been done. Jesus which is called Christ. That is, Jesus who claims to be the Messiah. Pilate probably did not believe it, or care much for it.

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