Matthew 27:20-21
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This verse reveals the calculated manipulation by the religious leaders, who didn't just present a choice but actively persuaded the crowd. Their goal wasn't a fair decision, but to steer public opinion toward Barabbas to ensure Jesus's destruction.
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been brought before Pilate, who, despite finding no fault in Him and even being warned by his wife, is pressured by the chief priests and elders. This powerful group, fueled by envy, manipulates the crowd during the Passover festival, a time when a prisoner was traditionally released. They persuade the people to demand the freedom of a notorious criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus, effectively orchestrating Jesus' condemnation.
Ever felt pressured by a group to go along with something you weren't sure about? This verse reveals a deliberate campaign to sway public opinion.
The chief priests and elders didn't just passively watch events unfold; they actively persuaded the crowd. This wasn't a spontaneous uprising. They knew releasing a prisoner was up to the people, so they strategically manipulated the crowd's desires. Their goal was clear: eliminate Jesus, whom they saw as a threat to their authority and traditions. They stirred up the people, turning a potentially wavering crowd into a unified mob demanding Jesus' death and Barabbas' freedom. This highlights how powerful religious leaders can influence public sentiment, even twisting it towards injustice.
Why would a crowd choose a known criminal over Jesus? This choice reveals a deep-seated rejection of Jesus' message and authority.
The choice presented wasn't between two good options; it was between a violent insurrectionist and murderer (Barabbas) and Jesus, the Prince of Life. The religious leaders exploited a custom where the governor would release a prisoner of the people's choosing. They deliberately pushed the crowd to choose Barabbas, a man associated with rebellion and violence, over Jesus, who offered peace and a kingdom not of this world. This stark contrast underscores the people's (and their leaders') rejection of Jesus' true identity and mission. They desired a 'king' who would lead an earthly revolt, not a Savior who offered spiritual liberation and truth.
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What if a supernatural warning was given, only to be completely disregarded? This divine nudge went unheard amidst the clamor.
The context reveals that Pilate’s wife had a disturbing dream and sent a message to him: 'Have nothing to do with that righteous man.' This was a clear, divinely-inspired warning about Jesus' innocence. Pilate, though he tried to appease the crowd and even heeded his wife's dream to some extent (initially wanting to release Jesus), was ultimately overruled. The 'chief priests and elders' actively worked against this divine counsel, ensuring their wicked plan succeeded. This highlights the tragic reality of rejecting God’s clear signals and warnings, especially when driven by entrenched agendas or popular opinion.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
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.
hēgemōn · Greek Noun
A title used for regional Roman officials overseeing territories not fully integrated into provinces, reflecting legal and administrative authority.
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.
The choice between Jesus and Barabbas wasn't a neutral one; it was a manipulated decision, highlighting how religious leaders, driven by envy and fear, could sway public opinion to reject the divine Savior in favor of a known criminal.
c. AD 28-33
Jesus' Ministry and Popularity in Galilee and Judea
Jesus gained a large following through his teachings and miracles, drawing the attention and ire of the religious authorities.
c. AD 33 (Passover Week)
Jesus' Triumphal Entry and Temple Cleansing
Jesus entered Jerusalem to widespread acclaim, then dramatically cleansed the Temple, further escalating tensions with the chief priests and elders.
c. AD 33 (Passover Week)
Jesus Arrested and Tried by Jewish Authorities
Following a Passover meal, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and subjected to hurried trials by the Sanhedrin, who sought his execution.
c. AD 33 (Passover Week)— this verse
Jesus Before Pilate, the Roman Governor
Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea, for a final judgment, as the Jewish authorities lacked the power to execute him.
c. AD 33 (Passover Week)
Pilate's Wife's Warning Dream
Pilate's wife sent him a message warning him to have nothing to do with Jesus, whom she had suffered over in a dream, a divine plea for Jesus' innocence.
c. AD 33 (Passover Week)
Crowd Incited to Demand Barabbas' Release
The chief priests and elders manipulated the crowd, using the custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover to stir them to demand the release of the murderer Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.
This passage directly quotes Peter explaining that the crowd, swayed by the leaders, denied Jesus and asked for a murderer to be released, highlighting the same core choice made in Matthew 27:20.
Luke 23:18Luke's account also describes the crowd being stirred up by the chief priests and rulers to demand the release of Barabbas, reinforcing the theme of manipulation by religious authorities.
John 18:39In John's Gospel, Pilate tries to use the Passover custom to release Jesus, but the crowd, incited by the chief priests, rejects this and demands the release of a murderer instead, mirroring the scenario in Matthew.
Isaiah 53:4This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'pierced for our transgressions' and 'numbered with the transgressors,' which resonates with the choice to release a criminal (Barabbas) while condemning the innocent Son of God.
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 27:20: "But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus."
Persuaded the multitude - The release of a prisoner was to be to the people, not to the rulers. The rulers, therefore, in order to secure the condemnation of Jesus, urged on the people to demand Barabbas. The people were greatly under the influence of the priests. Galileans among the citizens of Jerusalem were held in contempt. The priests turned the pretensions of Jesus i…
This verse reveals the calculated manipulation by the religious leaders, who didn't just present a choice but actively persuaded the crowd. Their goal wasn't a fair decision, but to steer public opinion toward Barabbas to ensure Jesus's destruction.
Jesus has just been brought before Pilate, who, despite finding no fault in Him and even being warned by his wife, is pressured by the chief priests and elders. This powerful group, fueled by envy, manipulates the crowd during the Passover festival, a time when a prisoner was traditionally released. They persuade the people to demand the freedom of a notorious criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus, effectively orchestrating Jesus' condemnation.
Jesus has just been brought before Pilate, who, despite finding no fault in Him and even being warned by his wife, is pressured by the chief priests and elders. This powerful group, fueled by envy, manipulates the crowd during the Passover festival, a time when a prisoner was traditionally released. They persuade the people to demand the freedom of a notorious criminal named Barabbas instead of Jesus, effectively orchestrating Jesus' condemnation.
"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.”" — This verse reveals the calculated manipulation by the religious leaders, who didn't just present a choice but actively persuaded the crowd. Their goal wasn't a fair decision, but to steer public op…
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Last reviewed October 2026
