Matthew 27:16 meaning
In a significant moment during the trials leading to Jesus's crucifixion, the crowd is given a choice between releasing Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. This scene highlights the deep connection between human desire for freedom and the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission. Barabbas, whose name translates to "son of the father," symbolizes the choice humanity faces between the true Son of God and a figure aligned with rebellion against oppressive rule. This choice represents a profound commentary on how society often favors perceived deliverers who align with their expectations over the true Savior.
Matthew 27:16 notes that Barabbas was a remarkable criminal, a term indicating not just infamy but a certain notoriety. In the eyes of many, he was a freedom fighter against Roman oppression, offering a stark contrast to the humility and sacrificial love embodied by Jesus. His release at the behest of the crowd underscores a tragic misunderstanding of true liberation. In this moment, the people chose the earthly, violent deliverance of Barabbas over the spiritual, transformative salvation offered by Christ, which can provoke reflection on the choices individuals face regarding freedom and redemption today .
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 27:15-16 meaning. Matthew interjects to inform his readers about a custom the Roman governor performed for the Jews each Passover. The custom was to release a prisoner. Matthew mentions that at that time Rome had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate will later use this custom and the prisoner Barabbas as a bargaining chip in his attempts to release Jesus, whom the governor knows is innocent. Matthew’s interjection divides his narration of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial, which is called: "Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate," from the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. The third phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 27:15-16 meaning. Matthew interjects to inform his readers about a custom the Roman governor performed for the Jews each Passover. The custom was to release a prisoner. Matthew mentions that at that time Rome had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate will later use this custom and the prisoner Barabbas as a bargaining chip in his attempts to release Jesus, whom the governor knows is innocent. Matthew’s interjection divides his narration of the first phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial, which is called: "Jesus’s Arraignment before Pilate," from the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. The third phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Matthew 27:17-18 meaning. "The Passover Pardon": Pilate’s Second Attempt to Release Jesus. Pilate offers the crowd a choice as to which prisoner he will customarily release: the notorious prisoner Barabbas or Jesus, called Christ. Matthew points out that Pilate did this because he knew the Jews accused Jesus out of envy. Matthew 27:17-18 begins Matthew’s account of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."
- Luke 23:18-21 meaning. The Crowd Chooses Barabbas: The crowd responds to Pilate’s offer to use the governor’s "Passover Pardon" on Jesus by shouting at Him to give them Barabbas instead. Barabbas had been imprisoned for insurrection and murder. Pilate wanted to release Jesus and tries to persuade the crowd again, but they kept on calling out—"Crucify, crucify Him!" This event is part of the third phase of Jesus’s Civil Trial. This phase is called: "Pilate’s Judgment."