New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 27:20

The Crucifixion

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. Matthew 27:20 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 27:20, in plain English

But the chief priests and elders work the crowd, persuading them to ask for Barabbas and to demand Jesus' death.

Why it's here

The crowd did not arrive wanting Jesus dead. They were convinced by leaders they trusted. Manipulation by authority figures can make good people choose terrible things.

Who's speaking

The narrator exposes the active manipulation happening behind the scenes.

Where it sits in the story

The same crowd that shouted 'Hosanna' days ago is now being coached to shout 'Crucify Him.' The voices are the same, but the words have been fed to them.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The chief priests and elders actively persuade (epeisan) the crowds to demand Barabbas' release and Jesus' execution, exercising their influence over the assembled populace.

Language and setting

The verb peitho (persuade) indicates active manipulation. The same crowds that acclaimed Jesus on Palm Sunday are now swayed by their leaders — demonstrating the power of religious authority over popular sentiment.

Voice

The narrator reveals the behind-the-scenes work of the religious leaders to manipulate the crowd.

Significance

The crowd's choice is not spontaneous but engineered — the religious establishment works the room to ensure the outcome they have already determined.

In context

Matthew 27:18–22

18For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”

20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

21“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

22“What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.

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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