Matthew 27:15-23

Jesus or Barabbas

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15} At the festival^(A) the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. ^{Tools
16} At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.^(a) ^{Tools
17} So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas,^(b) or Jesus who is called Messiah?”^(B) ^{Tools
18} For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy.

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19} While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!”^(C)

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20} The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. ^{Tools
21} The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”

“Barabbas!” they answered.

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22} Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?”

They all answered, “Crucify Him!”^(c)^(D)

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23} Then he said, “Why? What has He done wrong?”

But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him!” all the more.^(E)

Footnotes:

a. Matthew 27:16: Other mss read Jesus Barabbas

b. Matthew 27:17: Other mss read Jesus Barabbas

c. Matthew 27:22: Lit “Him—be crucified!”

Cross references:

A. Matthew 27:15: Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:16-25; John 18:39-40; John 19:16

B. Matthew 27:17: Matthew 1:16; Matthew 27:22

C. Matthew 27:19: Genesis 20:6; Numbers 12:6; Job 33:14-16; Matthew 2:12; John 19:13

D. Matthew 27:22: Matthew 1:16; Acts 13:28

E. Matthew 27:23: Luke 23:41; John 8:46