Matthew 27:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the Lord chose not to vindicate Himself, fully aware that even if He did, His release would not come, Pilate opted for another approach, ultimately relying on tradition. It seemed as though he was saying, "If you will not set free Jesus, who is innocent, then grant Him some joy during the festival, even though He is condemned." How could Pilate possibly think they would demand the crucifixion of the innocent Jesus while freeing a guilty thief? Understanding that Christ is blameless yet envied, he poses his inquiry to them, revealing his own frailty, as he should have stood firm for righteousness. Thus, he deserves condemnation for failing to uphold the truth. The name ‘Barabbas’ means ‘the son of the father,’ with ‘bar’ denoting son and ‘abba’ signifying father. Therefore, the Jews asked for the son of their true father, the devil, and chose to crucify Jesus. They continue to embrace the son of their father, the Antichrist, while rejecting Christ.

In the Gospel of the Hebrews, this Barabbas is referred to as the son of their teacher and was found guilty of treason and murder. Pilate offers them a choice regarding whom they wish to set free: the robber or Jesus. He is certain that Jesus is the one to be selected, as he understands that they handed him over out of jealousy. Thus, it is clear that the motive behind the crucifixion was envy.

During the festival, particularly the Passover, it is noted that Pilate stated, "But it is your custom that I will let one of you go on the Passover" (John 18:39). Luke provides a clearer account regarding Barabbas, indicating that he was incarcerated for the violence and murder committed in the city (Luke 23:19). Thus, despite Pilate's inability to acquit Jesus Christ, who was entirely blameless, he attempted to show leniency toward Him on this holy day, as though He had been condemned.

The Sanhedrin approached Pilate after Jesus had been sent from Herod; however, Pilate recognized that his cleverness had not resolved his issues but had only left him in the same predicament. He was confronted with the arrogant Sanhedrin and the purity of Jesus. He informed the Sanhedrin that after his investigation, conducted in their presence, he found Jesus Christ to be innocent, and Herod’s court had deemed Him worthy of no capital punishment; thus, Pilate stated, it was open to him to either release Jesus or impose a penalty. The Sanhedrin remained silent, and Pilate sensed that his ruling was unexpected (Luke 23:13-16). The battle between his weakness and his conscience was still unresolved, leading him to consider another option.

At that time, there was a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. He had been convicted of robbery and was incarcerated for the violent acts and murder he committed in the city, along with other insurrectionists. Pilate presented our Lord next to this criminal, pondering whether the Jews would choose a revolutionist and killer over Jesus.

Pilot, noticing the unwavering determination of the chief priests, proposed that Jesus be released, adhering to the tradition of setting a prisoner free during Passover. This approach would allow the Sanhedrin's ruling to stand while sparing the accused's life. To appease their animosity towards Jesus, Pilate ordered Him to be scourged. However, the crowd, swayed by the chief priests, cried out for Barabbas instead of Jesus. Confused about how to proceed, Pilate received a message from his wife, who had just experienced a dream that strongly involved the Righteous One. She warned him, without mentioning the Righteous One by name, to avoid condemning Him, which Pilate recognized as a possibility (Matt. 27:19).

When Pilate discovered that Herod had not condemned Jesus but had merely ridiculed Him, he went out to the Lyphostron. He addressed the chief priests, the leaders of the people, and the crowd, stating: ‘You have brought this man to me, claiming that He is leading the people astray; and behold, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no guilt in this man regarding any of the charges you bring against Him; nor has Herod, for I sent Him to him, and no reason for death has been found in Him’ (Luke 23:14-15). Therefore, I must release Him. However, if you believe Him to be guilty of something deserving of punishment, I can chastise Him at your request, but after punishing Him... I will release Him’ (Luke 23:16). Is this the action of a just judge?

Faced with the need to reconsider a case that troubled him and wishing to preserve the innocence of a man he believed to be blameless while honoring the integrity of his initial acquittal, Pilate sought to evoke the compassion and kindness of the crowd. It was customary for the Roman governor during Passover to free a prisoner based on the people's preference. Aware that the charges against Jesus stemmed from the chief priests and elders, and recognizing the recent surge of the people's affection for Him, he suggested the release of two prisoners, providing the choice between Christ and the notorious criminal Barabbas, hoping the crowd would choose the one whom they had recently hailed as the Son of David.

A recognized convict: that is, identified by his crimes. Barabbas, who is also referred to as Jesus, as indicated in various ancient records, translations, and by several early authors, was a thief and a killer.