Luke 23:18-19
But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a shouting match; it's a deliberate choice against what's good. They don't just reject Jesus; they demand the release of Barabbas, a known murderer and insurrectionist, highlighting their wilful preference for lawlessness over righteousness.
Pilate, trying to appease the crowd and following a Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, offers them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer. Despite Pilate's attempts to find Jesus innocent, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas's release and Jesus's crucifixion, ultimately overriding Pilate's judgment.
Imagine a festival designed for celebration, but instead of joy, it’s filled with bloodthirsty shouts. The crowd is presented with a choice: a known murderer or the Son of God. What does their decision reveal?
This moment is a stark illustration of humanity's deep-seated tendency to reject the divine. The crowd, swayed by the religious leaders, demands the release of Barabbas, a man imprisoned for sedition and murder. This wasn't just a random pick; it was a deliberate choice to save a criminal over the innocent Christ.
Pilate, the Roman governor, finds no guilt in Jesus. Yet, he yields to the crowd’s frenzy. What does this say about human power versus God's plan?
Pilate’s actions reveal the frustrating compromise of human authority when faced with popular pressure and fear. He recognized Jesus' innocence, even trying to appease the crowd by offering to have Jesus flogged and then released. However, his attempts to navigate the political storm ultimately failed.
Understand the original words
epekraxan · Greek Verb
The act of crying out loudly or screaming, often reflecting intense emotion, collective agitation, or urgent public demand.
Barabban · Aramaic/Greek Proper Noun
An Aramaic name meaning 'son of the father.' In the narrative, he is a prisoner chosen by the crowd to be freed in place of Jesus.
stasin · Greek Noun
A violent uprising against established authority or government; in the biblical context, it refers to organized rebellion involving physical force.
phonou · Greek Noun
The unlawful, intentional taking of a human life; biblically, it is regarded as a grave sin against God, who is the author of life.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Conflict
During this period, Jesus gained a large following through his teachings and miracles, which deeply alarmed the religious and political leaders.
c. AD 30
Pilate's Governorship of Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His rule was often marked by insensitivity to Jewish customs and a willingness to use force, leading to unrest.
Passover Festival, c. AD 30— this verse
The Passover Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
It was a custom, particularly during the Passover festival, for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd, likely to appease the population.
Passover Festival, c. AD 30
Barabbas's Imprisonment
Barabbas was a prisoner known for his involvement in a sedition and murder, a stark contrast to Jesus' peaceful ministry.
Passover Festival, c. AD 30
Pilate's Trial of Jesus
This passage directly parallels the events in Luke, detailing the custom of releasing a prisoner and the crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas, highlighting the manipulation by the chief priests and elders.
John 18:39-40This passage from John's Gospel also describes Pilate's attempt to release Jesus during Passover and the crowd's refusal, showing their explicit demand for a 'murderer' (Barabbas) to be released in place of Jesus.
Acts 3:14Peter directly confronts the crowd, accusing them of denying and rejecting the 'Holy and Righteous One' and asking for a murderer to be released to them, echoing the cry in Luke 23:18.
Isaiah 53:7This prophetic passage describes the Suffering Servant as being led 'like a lamb to the slaughter' and 'opening not his mouth,' which vividly contrasts with the loud, violent cries of the crowd demanding Jesus' death and Barabbas' release.
pooleLuke 23:18: "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:"
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
vincentLuke 23:18: "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:"
All together (παμπληθεὶ)The whole multitude (πλῆθος) of them. Only here in New Testament.Away (αἶρε)Lit., take away. Compare Acts 21:36; Acts 22:22.
This isn't just a shouting match; it's a deliberate choice against what's good. They don't just reject Jesus; they demand the release of Barabbas, a known murderer and insurrectionist, highlighting their wilful preference for lawlessness over righteousness.
Pilate, trying to appease the crowd and following a Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, offers them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer. Despite Pilate's attempts to find Jesus innocent, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas's release and Jesus's crucifixion, ultimately overriding Pilate's judgment.
Pilate, trying to appease the crowd and following a Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, offers them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer. Despite Pilate's attempts to find Jesus innocent, the chief priests stir up the crowd to demand Barabbas's release and Jesus's crucifixion, ultimately overriding Pilate's judgment.
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Pilate found no guilt in Jesus but, pressured by the chief priests and the crowd, offered them a choice: release Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd, stirred up by the leaders, demanded Barabbas's release and Jesus' crucifixion.
"But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder." — This isn't just a shouting match; it's a deliberate choice against what's good. They don't just reject Jesus; they demand the release of Barabbas, a known murderer and insurrectionist, highlighting…
