The Crucifixion
At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. Matthew 27:16 · Berean Standard Bible
At that time, there was a well-known prisoner named Barabbas being held.
Barabbas' name literally means 'son of the father.' The crowd will soon be asked to choose between the son of a father and the Son of the Father.
The narrator introduces the other prisoner who will be offered to the crowd.
Two men. One guilty, one innocent. The crowd will get to choose — and they will choose the guilty one.
Matthew introduces Barabbas as episemon (notorious), a prisoner whose crimes make him a well-known figure — setting up the dramatic choice between two prisoners.
Barabbas' name (bar-abba) means 'son of the father,' creating a profound irony: the crowd will choose the 'son of a father' over the actual Son of the Father.
The narrator introduces the notorious prisoner Barabbas.
The stage is set for the most consequential choice in history — between a notorious criminal and the innocent Son of God.
14But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge, much to the governor’s amazement.
15Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.
16At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
17So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.
Read all of Matthew 27 — The climax of the story. Every thread — sacrifice, covenant, prophecy, promise — converges at a cross outside Jerusalem.
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