Mark 15:7-11
And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; he was imprisoned with his fellow rebels who had committed murder during a violent uprising. This detail emphasizes that his release wasn't just for a common criminal, but for someone deeply entangled in a bloody insurrection against Roman rule.
As Jesus is presented before Pilate, the governor learns of a custom: to release a prisoner to the crowd during Passover. Pilate, aware that Jesus was handed over out of envy, offers the people a choice between Jesus and a notorious prisoner named Barabbas, who was imprisoned with his fellow rebels for murder committed during an uprising against Roman rule.
Who was this man Barabbas, so infamous that the crowd would rather choose him over Jesus? It turns out he wasn't just a petty thief.
The name "Barabbas" itself is significant, potentially meaning "son of the father" or "son of a rabbi." However, the text leaves no doubt about his character and actions.
A Political Firebrand
Barabbas wasn't just a criminal; he was a leader of an insurrection. This was a violent uprising against Roman rule, a crime that the Roman governor, Pilate, took very seriously. He wasn't just a bandit, but a rebel who shed blood during these turbulent times.
A Murderous Act
The verse explicitly states that Barabbas "had committed murder in the insurrection." This wasn't just a crime of passion or self-defense; it was a deliberate act of violence within the chaos of rebellion. He was bound with others who had done the same, marking him as a dangerous and guilty man in the eyes of the authorities.
Imagine standing before Pilate, the Roman governor, with a crowd baying for blood. You have to choose: release a known murderer, or the man who claims to be the King of the Jews.
The Passover custom of releasing a prisoner presented a stark choice, and in this case, it was a choice between two vastly different figures.
Pilate's Dilemma
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, delivered to him out of envy by the religious leaders. He even sought ways to release Jesus, as his wife had a disturbing dream warning her about Jesus. Yet, Pilate was also under pressure from the crowd and the authorities, who had already condemned Jesus in their hearts.
The Crowd's Decision
Instigated by the chief priests, the crowd was pushed to demand Barabbas' release. This choice highlights their rejection of Jesus. They preferred a violent rebel, a murderer, over the Prince of Peace. It was a decision fueled by manipulation and a rejection of Jesus' true kingship and message.
Understand the original words
stasiastēs · Greek Noun
Individuals who rise up in opposition to authority or law. In this context, it specifically refers to those engaging in sedition or violent resistance against the Roman occupation.
phonos · Greek Noun
The unlawful, intentional killing of another human being, which is a violation of the sanctity of life established by God in the sixth commandment.
stasis · Greek Noun
An organized uprising or armed rebellion against established governing authority. It often connotes social or political disorder and defiance of legal power.
ochlos · Greek Noun
The common people or a large gathering of individuals. In the Gospels, the crowd often functions as a volatile collective entity whose opinions can shift rapidly under influence.
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas wasn't just about two prisoners; it was a stark public declaration that the people, instigated by their leaders, preferred a violent rebel over the Prince of Peace, a choice that had profound consequences.
c. 4 BC - AD 30
Roman Rule in Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea during the turbulent period when Jesus' ministry took place. His governorship was marked by a heavy hand and frequent clashes with the Jewish populace.
c. AD 20s
Frequent Insurrections in Judea
The Roman occupation of Judea was constantly challenged by various uprisings and rebellions. These insurrections, often led by charismatic figures promising liberation, were brutally suppressed by Roman authorities.
Early 1st century AD
Barabbas Leads a Violent Uprising
Barabbas, a notorious figure, led an insurrection against Roman rule. This rebellion involved significant violence, including murder, likely targeting Roman soldiers or officials.
The Day of Jesus' Crucifixion
Pilate's Custom of Releasing a Prisoner
According to custom, the Roman governor would release a prisoner chosen by the crowd during the Passover festival. Pilate used this opportunity to try and appease the Jewish leaders and people.
wesleyMark 15:7: "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."
15:7 Insurrection - A crime which the Roman governors, and Pilate in particular, were more especially concerned and careful to punish.
cambridgeMark 15:7: "And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."
7 . one named Barabbas ] There lay in prison at this time, awaiting execution, a celebrated bandit or robber named Barabbas. This word is a patronymic, and means (i) according to some, Bar-Abbas= Song of Solomon of Abba = “son of the father,” or (ii) according to others, Bar-Rabbas = “ Song of Solomon of a Rabbi .” In three MSS. of Matthew 2…
Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; he was imprisoned with his fellow rebels who had committed murder during a violent uprising. This detail emphasizes that his release wasn't just for a common criminal, but for someone deeply entangled in a bloody insurrection against Roman rule.
As Jesus is presented before Pilate, the governor learns of a custom: to release a prisoner to the crowd during Passover. Pilate, aware that Jesus was handed over out of envy, offers the people a choice between Jesus and a notorious prisoner named Barabbas, who was imprisoned with his fellow rebels for murder committed during an uprising against Roman rule.
As Jesus is presented before Pilate, the governor learns of a custom: to release a prisoner to the crowd during Passover. Pilate, aware that Jesus was handed over out of envy, offers the people a choice between Jesus and a notorious prisoner named Barabbas, who was imprisoned with his fellow rebels for murder committed during an uprising against Roman rule.
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Why would God allow an innocent man to be condemned in place of a murderer? This wasn't just a legal technicality; it was a divine plan with profound implications.
The exchange of Jesus for Barabbas is a powerful illustration of the core of the Gospel: substitutionary atonement.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly took the place of Barabbas, a guilty rebel and murderer. This act was not a mistake but part of God's eternal plan to save humanity. Jesus' suffering and death were designed to pay the penalty for the sins of all who would believe, including those as wicked as Barabbas.
A New Identity
Barabbas, by the crowd's choice and Pilate's decree, was released. He walked free, while Jesus, the innocent one, went to the cross. This freedom, undeserved by Barabbas, is the freedom offered to us through Christ. We, like Barabbas, are guilty sinners who deserve judgment. Yet, through Christ's sacrifice, we can be pardoned and receive a new life, clothed in His righteousness.
basileus tōn Ioudaiōn · Greek Noun
A title designating the expected Messianic ruler. Jesus is the true King, embodying the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises to Israel and the world.
phthonos · Greek Noun
A feeling of resentment or jealousy toward the advantages, successes, or position of another. Biblically, it is viewed as a destructive vice that stems from a heart not submitted to God's providence.
archiereus · Greek Noun
The leading religious officials responsible for the oversight of the Temple and Jewish law. They were the primary authority figures who opposed Jesus' ministry and orchestrated His arrest.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To hand over, betray, or surrender someone into the power of another. In the New Testament, this term is frequently used to describe the handing over of Jesus to His persecutors.
archiereus · Greek Noun
A member of the highest priestly order in Judaism, often holding significant political and religious influence in the Sanhedrin. They were the primary religious leaders responsible for overseeing the temple and its sacrifices, and they played a key role in the trials of Jesus.
Barabbas · Greek Proper Noun
A common Aramaic name meaning 'son of the father.' In this context, he is a prisoner released by Pilate in exchange for Jesus, serving as a substitute whose freedom is bought by the condemnation of the innocent Christ.
The Day of Jesus' Crucifixion— this verse
Crowd Chooses Barabbas Over Jesus
Under pressure from the chief priests, the crowd demanded the release of Barabbas, the convicted murderer and rebel, instead of Jesus. Pilate, despite knowing Jesus' innocence, succumbed to the pressure and handed Jesus over to be crucified.
"And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to…" — Barabbas wasn't just any prisoner; he was imprisoned with his fellow rebels who had committed murder during a violent uprising. This detail emphasizes that his release wasn't just for a common crim…
