Mark 15:6
Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word "used to" in this verse isn't just a casual mention of a past habit; it points to a deeply ingrained, ongoing custom that the people expected. This regular ritual of releasing a prisoner meant Jesus wasn't just facing a spontaneous demand, but a well-established expectation that Pilate was pressured to uphold, even while knowing Jesus' innocence.
As Jesus faces condemnation, Pilate, the Roman governor, knows of a custom tied to the Passover feast: releasing a prisoner of the crowd's choosing. This tradition, meant to show favor, is now set against Jesus' imminent crucifixion, creating a stark choice for the people between Jesus and a known criminal named Barabbas.
Pilate had a custom: at the Passover feast, he'd release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. It sounds generous, but was it really?
This wasn't just a nice tradition; it was a political move by Roman governors to appease the Jewish people during a significant religious festival.
A Strategy for Peace
This custom, while seemingly benevolent, placed a heavy burden on the governor. It meant that in a moment of popular fervor, he might have to release someone guilty of serious crimes.
The crowd had a choice: a known insurrectionist and murderer, or Jesus. Why would they even consider the latter, and what does this choice reveal?
The juxtaposition of Barabbas and Jesus in this moment is incredibly powerful. It's not just about choosing between two individuals; it's about choosing between two kingdoms, two ways of life.
The Rebel and the Redeemer
Understand the original words
heortē · Greek Noun
A designated time of religious celebration and remembrance of God's redemptive works among His people. In the Gospels, it typically refers to the Feast of Passover.
desmios · Greek Noun
One who is held in confinement, often against their will. Biblically, it also serves as a metaphor for humanity's state under the bondage of sin and death.
This verse highlights a political custom used by Roman governors in Judea to maintain favor with the Jewish people during significant religious festivals. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas reveals a deeply troubled crowd manipulated by their leaders, showcasing a stark contrast between divine innocence and earthly rebellion.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Pilate's Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
During the Passover feast, the Roman governor would release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. This custom, of unknown origin but potentially of Jewish or Roman political policy, was intended to appease the populace.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Sent to Herod Antipas
Pilate, deeming Jesus innocent and aware he was Galilean, sent him to Herod Antipas (ruler of Galilee) hoping to shift responsibility. Herod mocked Jesus and sent him back to Pilate.
c. 30 AD
Barabbas Presented as Alternative
The chief priests and elders, driven by envy, stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas, a notorious prisoner involved in an insurrection and murder, instead of Jesus.
c. 30 AD
Crowd Demands Crucifixion
Despite Pilate's attempts to find a way to release Jesus, possibly by scourging him, the crowd, incited by the religious leaders, repeatedly demanded Jesus' crucifixion.
This passage directly parallels Mark's account, describing the same custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast and setting up the choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
Luke 23:17Luke also mentions this Passover custom, providing context for why Pilate offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
John 18:39John's Gospel records Pilate explicitly stating this custom in relation to the Passover, highlighting its significance and connection to Jesus' passion.
Exodus 12:1-14This Old Testament passage describes the institution of the Passover, the very feast during which this prisoner release custom took place, emphasizing themes of deliverance and remembrance.
Isaiah 53:7This prophetic passage foreshadows the suffering servant being led like a lamb to slaughter and opening not his mouth, directly reflecting Jesus' silence in the face of these accusations and choices.
pulpitMark 15:6: "Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired."
Verse 6. - St. Mark omits here what took place next in the order of events, namely, the sending of our Lord by Pilate to Herod (Luke 23:5). This was Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee; and Pilate, apparently convinced of our Lord's innocence, hoped to escape the responsibility of condemning an innocent man, by handing him over to Herod; for Pilate had heard that our Lord was a Galilean. Moreover, he hoped t…
cambridgeMark 15:6: "Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired."
6 . Now at that feast ] Rather, at festival time. There is no article in the Greek (or in Luke 23:17 ; Matthew 27:15 ), and the apparent limitation of the custom to the Feast of the Passover is not required by the original words, or by the parallel in John 18:39 . It seems to have been a custom, the origin of which is unknown, to release to the people on the occasion of the Passover and other great Feast…
The word "used to" in this verse isn't just a casual mention of a past habit; it points to a deeply ingrained, ongoing custom that the people expected. This regular ritual of releasing a prisoner meant Jesus wasn't just facing a spontaneous demand, but a well-established expectation that Pilate was pressured to uphold, even while knowing Jesus' innocence.
As Jesus faces condemnation, Pilate, the Roman governor, knows of a custom tied to the Passover feast: releasing a prisoner of the crowd's choosing. This tradition, meant to show favor, is now set against Jesus' imminent crucifixion, creating a stark choice for the people between Jesus and a known criminal named Barabbas.
As Jesus faces condemnation, Pilate, the Roman governor, knows of a custom tied to the Passover feast: releasing a prisoner of the crowd's choosing. This tradition, meant to show favor, is now set against Jesus' imminent crucifixion, creating a stark choice for the people between Jesus and a known criminal named Barabbas.
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This choice reveals the deep-seated desires of the human heart – for worldly power, for immediate gratification, and for a Messiah who would lead a political revolt, rather than the suffering Servant who would bring salvation through sacrifice.
c. 30 AD
Pilate Condemns Jesus
Yielding to the pressure and fearing a report to Caesar, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, after washing his hands as a symbolic gesture of innocence.
"Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked." — The word "used to" in this verse isn't just a casual mention of a past habit; it points to a deeply ingrained, ongoing custom that the people expected. This regular ritual of releasing a prisoner mea…
