Matthew 27:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When they requested Barabbas, Pilate inquired, “What should I do with Jesus?” With this question, he aimed to reason with them, hoping that by providing them with the option to decide, they would, out of a sense of shame, choose Jesus, thereby making the decision one of their own nobility. Had he declared that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing, it would likely have only hardened their hearts. By appealing to their sense of compassion, he presented a plea they could hardly deny. Nonetheless, they responded, “Let Him be crucified.”

In a display of weakness and frivolity, Pilate turned away, making himself blameless. When the people demanded the release of a notorious criminal, he complied, and he inquired about what action to take regarding Jesus—thereby placing the Jewish leaders in control of the proceedings. As the governor, he had the authority to release Jesus, similar to how the commander in Acts 21:31 intervened. The Jews insisted, "Let Him be crucified," aiming not only to condemn Him to death but also to lay a treacherous charge against Him, as crucifixion was designated for wrongdoers.

The sacrament of blood, used to anoint their doorways, repelled the lethal angel and the destroyer. Yet, they directed their slanders toward this genuine Lamb, and after rejecting Him, they chose Barabbas, a killer of men, for themselves.

Pilate presented numerous justifications for freeing Jesus. First, he drew a comparison between the thief and the innocent one. Next, he questioned, "What should I do with Jesus?" referring to the One whom they recognized as their King. When the crowd replied, "Let him be crucified," Pilate did not immediately acquiesce. Instead, influenced by his wife’s warning to avoid any wrongdoing against that Innocent One, he further inquired, "What crime has He committed?" By posing this question, Pilate endeavored to release Jesus. Yet the shouts from the crowd grew even louder, insisting, "Let him be crucified," thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Twenty-first Psalm: "The dogs have surrounded Me; a band of evildoers has encompassed Me" (Psalm 21:12).

Pilate inquired of them, “What should I do with Jesus known as the Christ?” Misled by his own expectations, he sought further clarification regarding Christ and surrendered the decision to their authority in an attempt to soften their hearts and bring healing, yet they remained resolute. Everyone responded, “Let Him be crucified...” Not only the crowd but also the chief priests and elders joined in. They chose not to say, “Let Him be put to death,” but rather insisted on crucifixion, so that the nature of His execution would serve as evidence of His perceived wickedness.

When Pilate proposed to free Jesus in keeping with the tradition that allowed the populace to liberate one prisoner in honor of a feast, the crowd, swayed by the chief priests, opted for Barabbas instead. The etymology of Barabbas, meaning "son of the father," hints at their impending disbelief. They opted for this "son of the father" over Christ. Influenced by their leaders, they selected Antichrist, the man of lawlessness and son of perdition (See 2 Thess. 2:3). They chose one who was marked for condemnation, rather than the Prince of Life.

It is recorded in the Scriptures, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree' (Deuteronomy 21:23). Consequently, they insisted that He be crucified, intending to further disgrace Him through the curse stated in the law. However, the Father transformed Him into a source of blessing.

A perplexing situation arose for the Roman governor. According to tradition, the crowd could request the release of one prisoner among the guilty. However, they were not entitled to render judgment on the other accused. Pilate, in his miscalculation while hoping to uphold innocence, acted in a way that defied logic—he sought the crowd's opinion on a matter that was beyond their authority. In such circumstances, the people might have easily overstepped their bounds, even without the influence of Jesus' adversaries. Yet they were so fervent that they indicated to the multitude the punishment they desired for Jesus. Thus, the crowd responded in unison: crucify, crucify Him (Mk. 14:12, 13, Lk. 23:20, 21)!

In his turmoil, Pilate sought to express his frustration through scornful ridicule: he asked them, “What shall I do with Jesus, who is called the Christ? What should be done with the self-proclaimed King of the Jews?” By posing this inquiry, Pilate lost sight of reason: should it not be he who held the authority to judge instead of the crowd? Could he not, by absolving Barabbas, also free Christ if he recognized His innocence? Ultimately, could he not determine the appropriate punishment for the Teacher from Galilee, should he deem it necessary? His derisive question only fueled the mob’s agitation; they perceived Pilate’s uncertainty, his confusion, and his fear of them. Thus, at the encouragement of the priests, the horrific demand surfaced for the first time: crucifixion. They all shouted, “Let Him be crucified! On His cross! On the cross!”

Pilate was taken aback by such a response. Feeling the weight of the situation, he spoke again to the assembled people, saying, "Very well, I will free Barabbas for you; but what should I do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?" This was yet another unacceptable compromise from the judge! To declare the accused innocent and yet hesitate to set Him free, instead seeking the opinion of a frenzied crowd regarding His fate—He who is blameless—demonstrates a troubling lack of authority and resolve, as well as a desire to conform to the public sentiment. If the crowd is swayed by spiritual forces and compelled to act accordingly, then to exhibit weakness before them only invites reckless defiance. What did Pilate anticipate by asking the crowd to render their decision on Jesus Christ? "Let Him be crucified!" they cried out in a tumultuous uproar.

Overcome with intense irritation, Pilate sought to postpone the proceedings and inquired, "What do you wish me to do with the king of the Jews?" It was at that moment that a vehement outcry erupted: "Crucify Him, crucify Him!"

"Let him be crucified": They do not call for him to be simply killed, but specifically to be crucified, so that the manner of his execution can reveal him as a man of evil (Euph. Sig.). Not only did they intend to end his life, but they aimed to do so in a way that portrayed him as a vile figure. When the judge objected, their resolve only strengthened, as they continued to cry out the same demand (Zlat.).