Matthew 27:22-23
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Pilate, despite knowing Jesus' innocence and even having a warning from his wife, asks the crowd what to do with Jesus "who is called Christ." This question isn't just about procedure; it’s Pilate subtly pushing the crowd to acknowledge Jesus' title, a title they then reject by demanding crucifixion, the punishment for the worst criminals.
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)
Pilate, attempting to navigate the crowd's fury and his own wife's warning about Jesus' innocence, offers a choice between Jesus and the notorious prisoner Barabbas. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demands Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. This exchange highlights the immense pressure Pilate is under to appease the mob, even as he questions the charges and seeks to avoid condemning an innocent man.
Pilate, the Roman governor, is on the spot. He knows Jesus is innocent, even his wife warned him! Yet, he asks, 'What shall I do with Jesus?' Why this question?
Pilate isn't genuinely seeking advice; he's trying to shift responsibility. He knows the religious leaders and the crowd are driven by envy (Matthew 27:18). His question, 'What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?', is a strategic move. He throws Jesus' title back at them, knowing it will incite them further. It's a way for Pilate to gauge their intensity and, perhaps, to look for an opening to release Jesus by leveraging their own pronouncements against him. He hopes they'll be satisfied with his offer to release Jesus or be swayed by his wife's warning, but he's ultimately overruled.
The response is immediate and chilling: 'Let him be crucified!' This wasn't just a suggestion; it was a bloodthirsty roar. What does this cry reveal about the crowd and the nature of mob mentality?
The crowd's demand for crucifixion is a pivotal moment, fueled by the manipulation of the chief priests and elders (Matthew 27:20). They choose a murderer, Barabbas, over Jesus, completely inverting justice. The specific demand for 'crucifixion' is significant; it was a Roman execution method typically reserved for the worst criminals, rebels, and slaves. By demanding this for Jesus, they are attempting to brand him as a dangerous criminal and a traitor to Rome, effectively erasing his title as 'Christ' in their fury. This highlights how easily a crowd, once stirred up, can abandon reason and justice, clamoring for violence against the innocent.
Understand the original words
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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).
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.
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.
kakos · Greek Adjective/Noun
General term for moral wickedness, malice, or depravity, often used in legal settings to denote a crime worthy of punishment.
Pilate's decision is set against the backdrop of his role as a Roman governor tasked with maintaining order in a volatile province. The crowd's demand for crucifixion reflects a complex mix of religious fervor, political pressure, and perhaps a Roman custom of releasing a prisoner during festivals, which the Jewish leaders manipulated.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching about the Kingdom of God, performing miracles, and gathering followers. His teachings challenge the religious establishment, leading to growing opposition.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Last Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, teaches in the Temple, and is betrayed by Judas. He is arrested, tried by the Jewish Sanhedrin, and handed over to the Roman authorities.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate's Governorship in Judea
Pontius Pilate serves as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, a position he held from AD 26 to 36. His rule was often marked by insensitivity to Jewish customs and religious sentiments.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Trial Before Pilate
Pilate presides over Jesus' trial, questioning him about his claim to be King of the Jews. Despite finding no guilt and even attempting to release him, Pilate succumbs to pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is sentenced to crucifixion and led to Golgotha, where he is executed. This event is central to Christian belief, seen as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
c. AD 30-33
Early Spread of Christianity
Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension, his followers begin to spread the Christian message throughout the Roman Empire, despite facing persecution.
This passage shows the Jewish leaders explicitly stating their inability to execute someone themselves, forcing Pilate into the position of carrying out their sentence, which directly relates to the dilemma he faces here.
Acts 4:27This New Testament passage directly quotes Psalm 2:1-2, which is about the rulers taking their stand against the Lord and his Anointed (Christ), highlighting the very scenario Pilate is caught in with Jesus.
Luke 23:13-16This account from Luke details Pilate's attempt to release Jesus by sending him to Herod, emphasizing Pilate's efforts to avoid condemning an innocent man before eventually caving to the crowd's demands.
Isaiah 53:5-7This prophetic passage describes the suffering Servant, 'pierced for our transgressions,' who is 'oppressed, and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth,' mirroring Jesus' silent endurance and unjust condemnation before Pilate and the crowd.
1 Peter 2:4Peter refers to Jesus as the 'stone ... chosen and precious' and highlights that those who believe in Him will not be put to shame, connecting to the rejection Jesus faced from the religious leaders and the crowd who chose a criminal over Him.
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…
ellicottMatthew 27:22: "Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified."
(22) Let him be crucified. —It may be noted that this was the first direct intimation of the mode of death to which the priests destined their prisoner. It was implied, indeed, in their fixed resolve to make the Roman governor the executioner of their sentence, as shown in the dialogue recorded by St. John ( John 18:31 ); but now the cry came from the mul…
Pilate, despite knowing Jesus' innocence and even having a warning from his wife, asks the crowd what to do with Jesus "who is called Christ." This question isn't just about procedure; it’s Pilate subtly pushing the crowd to acknowledge Jesus' title, a title they then reject by demanding crucifixion, the punishment for the worst criminals.
Pilate, attempting to navigate the crowd's fury and his own wife's warning about Jesus' innocence, offers a choice between Jesus and the notorious prisoner Barabbas. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demands Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. This exchange highlights the immense pressure Pilate is under to appease the mob, even as he questions the charges and seeks to avoid condemning an innocent man.
Pilate, attempting to navigate the crowd's fury and his own wife's warning about Jesus' innocence, offers a choice between Jesus and the notorious prisoner Barabbas. The crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, demands Barabbas' release and Jesus' crucifixion. This exchange highlights the immense pressure Pilate is under to appease the mob, even as he questions the charges and seeks to avoid condemning an innocent man.
"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!”" — Pilate, despite knowing Jesus' innocence and even having a warning from his wife, asks the crowd what to do with Jesus "who is called Christ." This question isn't just about procedure; it’s Pilate su…
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Last reviewed October 2026
