Matthew 27:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

NIV: For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

NASB: For he knew that it was because of envy that they had handed Him over.

CSB: For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over.

NLT: (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)

KJV: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

NKJV: For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

Pilate is trying to come up with a scheme to release Jesus from custody. At least part of that is common sense: according to this verse, Pilate understood that the Jewish religious leaders were trying to use Roman power to eliminate a rival. Given his existing awareness of Jesus (Matthew 21:10–11) and private interviews (John 18:33–36), Pilate has seen through their false accusations.

On the other hand, Pilate had to be careful. History notes that Pilate habitually antagonized the Jewish people, resulting in several ugly incidents. This was not ideal in the eyes of higher Roman authorities. With a swollen population, and an impending religious holiday (Matthew 27:15), Jerusalem would have been like a fuse waiting to be lit. As Pilate is likely realizing, there is a considerable crowd forming, and they are being manipulated by Jewish religious leaders (Matthew 27:20, 24; Mark 15:11, 15). Adding to the complexity, Jesus' enemies are making claims about insurrection (Luke 23:2). If he appears to be going soft on such crimes, the region could become unstable. Pilate does not want to release Jesus without good cause and risk provoking the powerful chief priests to stir up trouble of their own.

The easiest way out would be if the people themselves, the crowds, would select Jesus as their choice for the prisoner to be released at Passover. Pilate released one every year according to the people's wishes. He could be done with the entire issue if they would call for Jesus. The selection of a "notorious" murderer and rebel (Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:7) is a clear attempt to make the choice obvious.

Matthew 27:11–26 describes Jesus' trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The Jewish religious leaders are asking Pilate to condemn Jesus to death, hurling accusations. Pilate is amazed that Jesus remains silent, barely saying anything in His own defense. Pilate offers the Passover crowds the choice between releasing Jesus or releasing Barabbas. They choose Barabbas and call for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate recognizes the obvious feud driving this persecution; he is more concerned with civil order than with justice. He agrees to execute Jesus while claiming no responsibility for the decision. Further details are found in Mark 15:1–15, Luke 23:1–25, and John 18:28—19:16.

When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

Matthew 27 begins with an official meeting of the Jewish ruling council. They affirm Jesus' condemnation from the previous night, described in chapter 26. Judas confesses his betrayal and hangs himself. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the mob shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is humiliated by Roman soldiers and marched to be executed. On the cross, He is mocked by Jewish religious leaders and others. He dies and is buried in a never-used tomb. Extensive efforts to secure His body from being stolen only serve to prove the miraculous nature of His resurrection, which is detailed in chapter 28.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.