Matthew 27:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

NIV: Which of the two do you want me to release to you?' asked the governor. 'Barabbas,' they answered.

NASB: And the governor said to them, 'Which of the two do you want me to release for you?' And they said, 'Barabbas.'

CSB: The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you? ""Barabbas! " they answered.

NLT: So the governor asked again, 'Which of these two do you want me to release to you?' The crowd shouted back, 'Barabbas!'

KJV: The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

NKJV: The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

Pilate has allowed some unspecified time to pass for the message to get out: he will be releasing one prisoner today, either Jesus the teacher or Barabbas the insurrectionist (Matthew 27:15–18). Hs clear intent is to see Jesus released. Now Pilate asks for a decision. They cry out "Barabbas!" Pilate will seem surprised by this answer. Perhaps he shouldn't have been. Though Jesus was popular with many (Matthew 21:10–11), it's likely that many of those at the governor's headquarters early in the morning were invited there, by Jesus' enemies, for this very purpose.

Even those with little knowledge of Jesus might have been swayed by the accusations of the Sanhedrin (Matthew 27:20). The influential members of Jewish religious leadership wanted them to vote for Barabbas. It's not surprising that many people would side with longstanding priests and leaders, against both Roman occupiers and an accused blasphemer. All the same, it's hypocritical for the people to claim loyalty to Rome (John 19:15) while demanding the release of a confirmed rebel.

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.

Accessed 4/28/2024 3:18:27 AM