Keraia
Matthew 27

Matthew 27:15

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas · Matthew 27:15–23
Read Matthew 27

Translations

Modern
Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.
Traditional
Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Literal
And at the feast, the governor had been accustomed to release one prisoner to the multitude, whom they willed.
Latin
Per diem autem solemnem consueverat præses populo dimittere unum vinctum, quem voluissent:

Original

Greek
English
Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.

Notes

Matthew 27:15

Pilate's behavior seems unusual. It was not normal for him to try to please his Jewish subjects. But Pilate's relationship with Caesar might have been unstable at this time (see study note on John 19:12; see Philo, On the Embassy to Gaius 159–161). If so, this gesture might have been to maintain peace and avoid negative attention from Rome.

Matthew 27:11–26

The Roman trial included an initial hearing before Pilatee (Matthew 27:11–14), then one before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–16), and a second hearing with Pilate (Matthew 27:15–26).

Matthew 26:57–27:26

The Gospels describe Jesus having five legal hearings:

  1. an informal hearing with Annas (John 18:13–24);

  2. a night hearing with the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:59–66);

  3. a morning hearing with the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:1–2);

  4. a hearing with Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–12); and

  5. a two-part trial with Pilate (Matthew 27:11–31; see Luke 23:6–12).

These hearings form two main trials, a Jewish trial and a Roman trial.

Theme notes and profiles

Pontius Pilate

Events

Parallels

Mark 15:6–11 Luke 23:13–25

Glossary

Barabbas Christ Elder Feasts and Festivals of Israel Gospel of Matthew Judge Passion Procurator

Topics

Criminals: Released at Feasts Jesus, the Christ: Tried in Front of Pilate (In Jerusalem) Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Prisoners: Released at Feasts Rulers: Wicked: Pilate, Delivering up Jesus for Crucifixion The Feast of the Passover: Custom of Releasing a Prisoner At