Mark 15:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In Matthew, it reads: “Whom do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?” while in Mark it states: “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” It is important to note that the Jews referred to their kings as “anointed” or “Christ,” thus both titles could be understood within Pilate's inquiry, as if he were asking: “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews, that is, Christ?” The fact that Pilate does not mention Barabbas in Mark is insignificant, as the Evangelist focuses on what relates directly to the Lord. However, information regarding the robber that the Jews wished to release comes from their response: “But the chief priests stirred up the people to ask him to release Barabbas to them.”

The crowds were looking to Pilate for the customary pardon of a criminal during the Passover festival. In response, Pilate presented the people with a choice between Barabbas and Christ Jesus. It was clear that he desired to release Jesus, as he believed that the trial stemmed solely from jealousy. Yet, why did Pilate harbor good intentions but take no action? Why did he possess the knowledge of truth without standing firmly for it? It was a lack of genuine love for truth within him; the allure of worldly interests muffled his conscience. Pilate further compromised the truth by expressing his belief in Jesus' innocence while simultaneously pledging to condemn the innocent one contrary to his own judgment. He descended into a morass of deceit when, recognizing Jesus' purity, he equated Him with Barabbas. Who was Barabbas? A rebel and thief, incarcerated with other insurrectionists, responsible for murder during the uprising. Pilate dared to juxtapose the innocent Jesus with such a scoundrel! What was Pilate's strategy? Did he suppose that an evident criminal could be favored over the innocent Jesus? He did. But is he a true judge? Is he a representative of Caesar? No, he relinquished his rights and transferred them to another. And to whom did he relinquish his authority? To the crowd! The arrogant Roman sank deeper in his compromise. Now, it is apparent that Pilate would become an ally to Caiaphas, just as he had been to Herod. It was becoming clear that all manner of sinners were converging against Jesus Christ—hypocrites, shameless Sadducees, strong men, and those weakened by vice; representatives of powerful Rome alongside those of the feeble royal line; the educated and the uneducated; soldiers and servants. Furthermore, the very people who had exuberantly proclaimed hosanna to Him not long ago would soon stand with His adversaries.

The thought of condemning an innocent man, particularly one deemed divine, troubled Pilate, even as a Gentile. Yet the religious leaders intensified their pressure, leveling accusations directly at Jesus for inciting the populace and discouraging them from paying taxes to Caesar, thereby extending their initial charges (Luke 23:2). They emphasized that Jesus propagated such teachings originating from Galilee.

Pilate aimed to satisfy both sides but misjudged the situation: the chief priests, noticing his indecision, became increasingly demanding; no compromise could quench their thirst for vengeance; they sought nothing less than the eradication of Jesus. Yet Pilate hoped to find a resolution that would please both parties. The crowd reminded him of the tradition of releasing a prisoner during the Passover, and despite knowing they would request Barabbas, a man guilty of insurrection and murder, he thought that by proposing Jesus Christ for release instead of Barabbas, the people might seize the chance to liberate their Galilean teacher. Thus, he posed the question to the crowd: “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?”

In accordance with a tradition likely established by the Romans to bolster the self-esteem of the subjugated populations and help them come to terms with their political oppression, the Roman governor would customarily release a prisoner during Passover based on the wishes of the crowd. Understanding that the opposition to Jesus stemmed from the chief priests and elders, and recognizing the enthusiastic support the common people had shown for Christ at His recent entrance into Jerusalem, he proposed a choice between two prisoners for their festive release: Jesus of Nazareth and the notorious thief and murderer Barabbas, who, according to some accounts, bore the name Jesus as well. Pilate hoped the people would choose the One they had recently hailed with joy as the Son of their illustrious King David, their national pride and glory.

He may have anticipated that the crowd would perceive the absurdity of the charges alleging that the Lord had claimed royal authority. Nonetheless, it is challenging to interpret Pilate's words as mockery directed at the Lord Himself, whom he recognized was favored by his own spirit (see Mark 15:10).