Matthew 27:15-23

What does Matthew 27:15-23 mean?

The passage highlights a custom meant to show favor – releasing a prisoner at Passover. But what's truly striking is how this act of supposed grace becomes the very mechanism for condemning the innocent Lamb of God. It reveals how traditions, even those seemingly intended for good, can be twisted by human hearts to serve injustice and further God's sovereign plan.

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Matthew 27:15-23 means

As the Passover feast drew near, the Roman governor Pilate was accustomed to releasing a prisoner of the crowd's choosing, a custom likely meant to ease tensions with the Jewish people. Now, facing a charged crowd demanding Jesus' crucifixion, Pilate found himself in a terrible predicament: a choice between releasing Jesus, whom he knew to be innocent and whose wife had sent a warning about him, or a notorious criminal and insurrectionist named Barabbas. The religious leaders, driven by envy, stirred the crowd to demand Barabbas' release and Jesus' death, forcing Pilate to present this agonizing choice.

A Custom of "Popularity"

Why would a Roman governor, ruling over a restless people, engage in a practice that seemingly undermined justice by releasing a prisoner chosen by the crowd?

This verse reveals a custom tied to the Passover feast where the Roman governor would release a prisoner the crowd desired.

A Political Move

Scholars suggest this practice, though not found in Jewish law, was likely introduced by the Romans, possibly by Pilate himself. It served as a calculated political maneuver to gain favor and appease the Jewish population, making Roman rule seem less oppressive. By offering a small indulgence, they hoped to reduce tensions and prevent sedition.

Undermining Justice?

While it might have secured popularity, this custom was inherently flawed. It bypassed established legal processes and allowed public opinion, rather than justice, to determine a prisoner's fate. It encouraged wickedness and obstructed the proper administration of law, as noted by commentators who saw it as an "abuse of the worship of God."

Barabbas vs. Jesus: A Stark Contrast

When presented with a choice between a notorious criminal and Jesus, the crowd's decision reveals a deep spiritual blindness and a disturbing preference.

The custom of releasing a prisoner becomes the stage for a profound theological drama. Pilate, knowing Jesus' innocence and pressured by the crowd, offers them a choice: Barabbas or Jesus.

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

What Matthew 27:15-23 means

The original words in Matthew 27:15-23

feastἑορτή

heortē · Greek Noun

A recurring holy time established by God for the Israelites to commemorate specific historical redemptive acts and to celebrate covenant faithfulness.

prisonerδέσμιος

desmios · Greek Noun

A person held in confinement or captivity, often restricted from freedom; biblically, it also functions as a metaphor for those bound by sin or spiritual oppression.

prisonerδέσμιος

desmios · Greek Noun

A person held in custody by legal authority, often awaiting trial or punishment. Biblically, it can also metaphorically describe one bound by sin or spiritual captivity.

ChristΧριστός

Christos · Greek Noun

The title 'Christ' is the Greek translation of the Hebrew 'Messiah' (Mashiach), meaning 'the Anointed One.' It refers to the one chosen and empowered by God to be the Savior, Prophet, Priest, and King of His people.

envyφθόνος

phthonos · Greek Noun

A painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, often leading to malice or hostility. In Scripture, it is listed as a work of the flesh and is consistently condemned as destructive.

judgment seatβῆμα

bēma · Greek Noun

A position of authority held by a magistrate or judge where official judicial verdicts are rendered. It symbolizes the exercise of human or divine power to execute justice or judgment.

righteousδίκαιος

dikaios · Greek Adjective

Refers to a person who is morally upright, walking in accordance with God's law and will. In an evangelical sense, it acknowledges one who is blameless in conduct before God and men, though true righteousness ultimately comes through faith in God.

chief priestsἀρχιερεύς

archiereus · Greek Noun

The leaders of the Jewish religious establishment, responsible for temple worship and interpreting the Law. They held significant political and social influence and were the primary instigators in the legal pursuit of Jesus.

eldersπρεσβύτερος

presbyteros · Greek Noun

The leaders of the people who held authority in matters of community governance and religious tradition. They were integral to the judicial councils that opposed Jesus' ministry.

destroyἀπόλλυμι

apollymi · Greek Verb

To ruin, kill, or bring to an end. Biblically, it often refers to physical death or the spiritual ruin of one's purpose or soul, specifically used here to describe the desire of Jesus' enemies to end His earthly ministry.

governorἡγεμών

hēgemōn · Greek Noun

A title used for regional Roman officials overseeing territories not fully integrated into provinces, reflecting legal and administrative authority.

BarabbasΒαραββᾶς

Barabbas · Greek (derived from Aramaic) Noun

The personal name of the individual released in place of Jesus; literally means 'son of the father,' carrying deep ironic significance as the crowd rejects the true Son of the Father for a human substitute.

JesusἸησοῦς

Iēsous · Greek (derived from Hebrew) Noun

The central figure of the Gospel; the name means 'YHWH is salvation' and is paired here with the title 'Christ' (Messiah).

ChristΧριστός

Christos · Greek Noun

The Greek translation of the Hebrew 'Messiah' (Anointed One), referring to the King and Savior promised to Israel by God through the prophets.

crucifiedσταυρόω

stauroō · Greek Verb

A form of execution used by the Romans, characterized by extreme physical agony, shame, and public degradation, which became the instrument of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

evilκακός

kakos · Greek Adjective/Noun

General term for moral wickedness, malice, or depravity, often used in legal settings to denote a crime worthy of punishment.