Matthew 27:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!"

NIV: "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!"

NASB: Pilate *said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all *said, 'Crucify Him!'

CSB: Pilate asked them, "What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify him!"

NLT: Pilate responded, 'Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?' They shouted back, 'Crucify him!'

KJV: Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

NKJV: Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

Despite Jesus' popularity (Matthew 21:10–11), obvious innocence (Matthew 27:18; John 18:33–36), and comparison to a confirmed murderer (Matthew 27:15–16; Mark 15:7), the crowd has asked to release the convicted man (Matthew 27:17–20). Pilate seems surprised. He seems to have thought that if given the choice, the people would surely want Jesus to be freed instead of killed.

Records from outside the Bible indicate Pilate showed little respect for Jewish religious leaders, let alone the people themselves. Most likely, he underestimated the influence of Jerusalem's priests among the people. Shocked by the cries to release Barabbas, Pilate calls out to ask the people what should be done with Jesus. They shout back, as they have been coached to do by the members of the Sanhedrin, that Jesus should be crucified. This is an especially shocking demand, as crucifixion was purposefully designed to be humiliating and agonizing. John's account of this moment shows Pilate responding with outrage (John 19:6; Matthew 27:23).

Pilate will attempt to ask more questions of the crowd, but you can't have a conversation with a mob. They have made their choice. Pilate's options are dwindling. Jewish religious leaders are taking advantage of Pilate's strained political tenure; the threat of civil unrest will become a deciding factor in the governor's decision (Matthew 27:24).

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.