Keraia
Matthew 27

Matthew 27:16

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

Translations

Modern
At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
Traditional
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
Literal
And at that time they were holding a notable prisoner called Barabbas.
Latin
…habebat autem tunc vinctum insignem, qui dicebatur Barabbas.

Original

Greek
English
At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.

Notes

Matthew 27:16

notorious prisoner named Barabbas: He is also called an "insurrectionist" (Mark 15:7; John 18:40). This word can also mean a robber or someone who led a revolt (see Luke 23:19). To the zealots, Barabbas was considered a hero.

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

People

Barabbas: A notorious prisoner released instead of Jesus

Glossary

Barabbas Christ Elder Gospel of Matthew Judge Nazarene Passion Procurator

Topics

Barabbas: A Prisoner Released by Pilate Jesus, the Christ: Tried in Front of Pilate (In Jerusalem) Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Prisoners: Released at Feasts Rulers: Wicked: Pilate, Delivering up Jesus for Crucifixion