Matthew 27:18
For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 27:18
For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Pilate knew the chief priests delivered Jesus up not because of any real threat to Rome, but out of sheer envy for Jesus' popularity. This reveals that even the most powerful earthly authorities could recognize the base motives at play, yet were unable to act justly due to political pressure and their own lack of conviction.
Pilate, having examined Jesus and finding no fault in him, attempted to leverage a Passover custom to release him. He knew the chief priests had handed Jesus over out of jealousy for his popularity, not because of any genuine crime. The priests then stirred up the crowd to demand the release of a murderer named Barabbas instead, setting the stage for Jesus' crucifixion.
Why did the religious leaders want Jesus dead? It wasn't about a theological debate; it was fueled by something far more personal and destructive.
Matthew 27:18 reveals a critical insight: the chief priests and elders handed Jesus over 'out of envy.' This wasn't just a casual dislike, but a deep-seated jealousy of Jesus' popularity and influence.
The Root of the Problem
Envy is a powerful, corrosive emotion. It doesn't just make us unhappy; it can drive us to actively seek the downfall of others, even when they've done nothing wrong.
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. He even tried to let him go. So why did he condemn an innocent man?
Pilate's internal struggle and actions reveal a profound failure of justice, driven by fear and political expediency.
The Governor's Dilemma
Understand the original words
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.
The chief priests and elders, driven by envy over Jesus' popularity, handed him over to Pilate. Pilate, though recognizing their malicious motives and Jesus' innocence, felt pressured by the crowd and the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Popularity
Jesus' teachings and miracles gain significant popular following throughout Galilee and Judea, drawing crowds and attention.
c. AD 30, Passover Week
Jesus' Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing
Jesus enters Jerusalem to great acclaim, then dramatically cleanses the Temple, further angering the religious authorities.
c. AD 30, Passover Week
Plotting by Religious Leaders
The chief priests and elders, seeing Jesus' growing influence and fearing Roman intervention, conspire to arrest and execute him.
c. AD 30, Passover Night
Arrest and Trials of Jesus
Jesus is arrested, subjected to hurried trials before the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod Antipas.
c. AD 30, Passover Day
This passage reveals the chief priests' and Pharisees' malicious plot against Jesus, driven by envy of his popularity and their fear of losing their influence, mirroring the envy mentioned in Matthew 27:18.
Acts 7:51-53Stephen directly accuses the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and persecuting those who spoke of Jesus, highlighting their ongoing pattern of envy and opposition to God's messengers.
Philippians 1:15-18Paul addresses instances where Christ was preached out of envy and rivalry, but rejoices that Christ is proclaimed nonetheless, showing how envy can motivate even those who oppose God's purposes.
1 Peter 2:22This verse emphasizes Jesus' sinlessness and His inability to be deceptive, which Pilate perceived, underscoring the injustice of His condemnation driven by the envy of His accusers.
henryMatthew 27:11-25: "And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest."
27:11-25 Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, and it is a great mercy to have such checks from Providence, from faithful friends, and from our own conscience…
barnesMatthew 27:18: "For he knew that for envy they had delivered him."
For he knew that for envy ... - This was envy at his popularity. He drew away the people from them. This Pilate understood, probably, from his knowledge of the pride and ambition of the rulers, and from the fact that no danger could arise from a person that appeared like Jesus. If Pilate knew this, he was bound to release him himself. As a governor and judge, he was under obligation to protect the innocent, and should, in spite…
Pilate knew the chief priests delivered Jesus up not because of any real threat to Rome, but out of sheer envy for Jesus' popularity. This reveals that even the most powerful earthly authorities could recognize the base motives at play, yet were unable to act justly due to political pressure and their own lack of conviction.
Pilate, having examined Jesus and finding no fault in him, attempted to leverage a Passover custom to release him. He knew the chief priests had handed Jesus over out of jealousy for his popularity, not because of any genuine crime. The priests then stirred up the crowd to demand the release of a murderer named Barabbas instead, setting the stage for Jesus' crucifixion.
Pilate, having examined Jesus and finding no fault in him, attempted to leverage a Passover custom to release him. He knew the chief priests had handed Jesus over out of jealousy for his popularity, not because of any genuine crime. The priests then stirred up the crowd to demand the release of a murderer named Barabbas instead, setting the stage for Jesus' crucifixion.
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Pilate's story is a stark reminder that knowing the right thing to do is different from doing it, especially when faced with opposition or personal risk.
Pilate's Decision and the Crowd's Choice
Pilate, aware of the chief priests' envy and finding no fault in Jesus, offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Despite his reservations and his wife's warning, Pilate yields to the crowd's demand and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
"For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up." — Pilate knew the chief priests delivered Jesus up not because of any real threat to Rome, but out of sheer envy for Jesus' popularity. This reveals that even the most powerful earthly authorities coul…