Keraia
Matthew 27

Matthew 27:17

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

Translations

Modern
So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
Traditional
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
Literal
Therefore, in their being gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you desire that I shall release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
Latin
Congregatis ergo illis, dixit Pilatus: Quem vultis dimittam vobis: Barabbam, an Jesum, qui dicitur Christus?

Original

Greek
English
So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Notes

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 Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Pilate: Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial

Glossary

Barabbas Christ Elder Gospel of Matthew Judge Nazarene Passion Procurator

Topics

Barabbas: A Prisoner Released by Pilate Complicity: Pilate, in the Death of Jesus Demagogism: 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