Luke 23:19
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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The verse subtly highlights Barabbas’s crimes as rooted in political rebellion ("sedition") as much as personal violence ("murder"). This wasn't just a random criminal; he was a figurehead of unrest against Roman rule, making the crowd's choice to free him over Jesus a direct rejection of divine authority in favor of earthly, violent opposition.
This verse appears during the Passover festival when Roman governor Pilate customarily released a prisoner to the crowd. Pilate, knowing Jesus was innocent, offered them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demanded Barabbas's release instead.
The crowds clamored for a prisoner's release. But who was this man they chose over Jesus?
This verse tells us Barabbas wasn't just a petty criminal. He was imprisoned for two serious offenses:
Luke, along with Mark, specifically names these crimes. This detail is crucial because it paints a stark picture of the choice the people were making. They were choosing a convicted insurrectionist and murderer over the innocent Son of God.
Why would a crowd demand the release of a violent criminal over a man declared innocent?
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas wasn't just a random selection; it was a deeply symbolic one. The people, swayed by the chief priests and elders, deliberately chose Barabbas.
Understand the original words
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.
Barabbas wasn't just a generic prisoner; he was a known troublemaker imprisoned for violent sedition and murder during a time of significant Roman oppression and Jewish resistance. His release over Jesus highlights the volatile political climate and the crowd's priorities.
c. AD 6
Revolt of Judas the Galilean
Judas the Galilean led a revolt against Roman taxation and census, sparking a nationalist movement that viewed Roman rule as slavery. This event likely influenced future insurrections.
c. AD 20-30s
Sporadic Unrest in Jerusalem
The Roman occupation of Judea was often met with resistance, leading to sporadic outbreaks of sedition and violence in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Release of Barabbas during Passover
As part of a customary Passover release of a prisoner, the crowd is given the choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Barabbas is described as imprisoned for sedition and murder.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Despite Pilate's attempts to release Jesus, the crowd's demand leads to Jesus' crucifixion, while Barabbas, the convicted insurrectionist and murderer, is set free.
This passage directly refers to Barabbas as a murderer, contrasting him with Jesus and highlighting the crowd's choice to request the release of a known criminal over the innocent Son of God.
Matthew 27:16Matthew also identifies Barabbas as a 'notable prisoner,' emphasizing his notoriety and the significance of the crowd's choice to have him released instead of Jesus.
Mark 15:7Mark's Gospel further elaborates, stating Barabbas was imprisoned with rebels who had committed murder during an insurrection, directly aligning with Luke's description.
John 18:40John's Gospel highlights the crowd's clamor for Barabbas' release over Jesus, underscoring the stark contrast between the choice of a murderer and the Prince of Peace.
pooleLuke 23:19: "(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)"
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
vincentLuke 23:19: "(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)"
Who (ὅστις)Classifying him. One of such a kind as that he had been imprisoned, etc.
The verse subtly highlights Barabbas’s crimes as rooted in political rebellion ("sedition") as much as personal violence ("murder"). This wasn't just a random criminal; he was a figurehead of unrest against Roman rule, making the crowd's choice to free him over Jesus a direct rejection of divine authority in favor of earthly, violent opposition.
This verse appears during the Passover festival when Roman governor Pilate customarily released a prisoner to the crowd. Pilate, knowing Jesus was innocent, offered them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demanded Barabbas's release instead.
This verse appears during the Passover festival when Roman governor Pilate customarily released a prisoner to the crowd. Pilate, knowing Jesus was innocent, offered them a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demanded Barabbas's release instead.
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c. AD 44
Revolt of Theudas
Theudas led a significant messianic uprising, claiming to be a prophet and promising to divide the Jordan River. He was eventually captured and executed by Roman forces.
c. AD 50s-60s
Rise of Zealot Movement
The Zealot movement, a radical political group, gained momentum, advocating for violent resistance against Roman rule. This period saw increased guerrilla activity.
AD 66-73
First Jewish-Roman War
A large-scale revolt erupted against Roman rule, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. Many participated in or were affected by this violent conflict.
"a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder." — The verse subtly highlights Barabbas’s crimes as rooted in political rebellion ("sedition") as much as personal violence ("murder"). This wasn't just a random criminal; he was a figurehead of unrest…
