Luke 23:25
He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a chilling contrast: Pilate releases a man imprisoned for actual rebellion and murder, a criminal the crowd asked for, yet he hands over Jesus, whom he'd declared innocent, to the crowd's violent desires. This wasn't just a procedural choice; it was a deliberate surrender of justice for the sake of appeasing the mob's escalating will.
This moment occurs during the trial of Jesus, where the Roman governor Pilate, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, is pressured by the Jewish crowd to release a prisoner. To appease their demands and quell a growing riot, Pilate chooses to set free a notorious criminal named Barabbas, who was imprisoned for rebellion and murder, while handing Jesus over to be subjected to their violent desires.
Imagine standing in a tense crowd, voices shouting, demanding a choice. This isn't just a story; it's a snapshot of human nature under pressure.
The crowd's demand wasn't just for Barabbas' release; it was a rejection of Jesus. They'd chosen a known criminal, a man imprisoned for serious offenses ('sedition and murder'), over the Son of God.
The phrase 'delivered Jesus over to their will' carries a chilling weight. What does it truly mean when divine innocence is handed over to human malice?
This is the critical turning point. Pilate's choice to 'deliver Jesus over to their will' means he surrendered Jesus to the crowd's desires, whatever they might be.
Understand the original words
apelyse · Greek Verb
The act of setting someone free from confinement, bondage, or debt. In the Gospels, it is often used in the context of legal acquittal or the release of a prisoner.
stasin · Greek Noun
A violent uprising or rebellion against an established authority or government. It implies sedition and active defiance against the governing order.
phonon · Greek Noun
The intentional and unlawful killing of another human being. It is recognized in Scripture as a grave sin and a violation of the sanctity of life given by God.
paredōken · Greek Verb
To hand over or surrender someone or something into the power or authority of another. In the passion narratives, it carries the theological weight of Jesus being turned over to the authorities for suffering and death.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' teachings and miracles gained a large following, attracting the attention and increasing the animosity of the Jewish religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Arrest and Trial
Jesus is arrested after a Passover meal in Jerusalem, leading to a series of trials before Jewish authorities and ultimately the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30— this verse
Pilate's Reluctance and Pressure
Pilate, the Roman governor, found no guilt in Jesus but faced immense pressure from the crowd and religious leaders, who threatened to report him to Caesar if he released Jesus.
c. AD 30
Release of Barabbas
According to the custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover, the crowd, incited by the chief priests, chose to free the insurrectionist and murderer Barabbas instead of Jesus.
c. AD 30
Scourging and Mockery of Jesus
This passage parallels Luke's account, detailing Pilate's decision to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus, highlighting the crowd's influence and Pilate's moral cowardice.
Mark 15:11-15Mark also describes Pilate yielding to the crowd's demands, releasing Barabbas, and handing Jesus over to be crucified, emphasizing the theme of substitution.
John 18:38-40John's Gospel shows Pilate's internal struggle and his declaration of Jesus' innocence, yet he still capitulates to the crowd, who then demand the release of a murderer (Barabbas) instead of Jesus.
Isaiah 53:4-7This prophetic passage foreshadows the suffering servant who is delivered up for the transgressions of others, mirroring Jesus' unjust condemnation in place of the guilty Barabbas.
1 Peter 2:22-24Peter reflects on Christ's innocence and suffering, stating that Jesus 'committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth,' directly contrasting with Barabbas the murderer and underscoring Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice.
pooleLuke 23:25: "And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
calvinLuke 23:24-32: "And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required."
- But Pilate, perceiving that he gained nothing by it, but that the tumult became the greater, took water, and washed his hands before the people, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man: see you to it. 25. And the whole people, answering, said, His blood be on us and on our children. 26. Then he released to them Barabbas, and after having scourged Jesus, he delivered him up to be crucified. 27. The…
The verse highlights a chilling contrast: Pilate releases a man imprisoned for actual rebellion and murder, a criminal the crowd asked for, yet he hands over Jesus, whom he'd declared innocent, to the crowd's violent desires. This wasn't just a procedural choice; it was a deliberate surrender of justice for the sake of appeasing the mob's escalating will.
This moment occurs during the trial of Jesus, where the Roman governor Pilate, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, is pressured by the Jewish crowd to release a prisoner. To appease their demands and quell a growing riot, Pilate chooses to set free a notorious criminal named Barabbas, who was imprisoned for rebellion and murder, while handing Jesus over to be subjected to their violent desires.
This moment occurs during the trial of Jesus, where the Roman governor Pilate, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, is pressured by the Jewish crowd to release a prisoner. To appease their demands and quell a growing riot, Pilate chooses to set free a notorious criminal named Barabbas, who was imprisoned for rebellion and murder, while handing Jesus over to be subjected to their violent desires.
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After ceding to the crowd's demands, Roman soldiers scourged Jesus, dressed him in royal robes, crowned him with thorns, and mocked him as 'King of the Jews'.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was led away to be crucified, bearing his cross with the help of Simon of Cyrene, alongside two criminals.
"He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will." — The verse highlights a chilling contrast: Pilate releases a man imprisoned for actual rebellion and murder, a criminal the crowd asked for, yet he hands over Jesus, whom he'd declared innocent, to…
