Matthew 27:21

21 But the ruler made answer and said to them, Which of the two is it your pleasure that I let go free? And they said, Barabbas.

Matthew 27:21 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:21

The governor answered and said unto them
A second time, after some time had been allowed and taken up to consider of the matter, and which the chief priests and elders improved among the people against Jesus.

Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?
for as these two were proposed, one of them must be released; and it lay in the breast of the people to choose which they would:

they said, Barabbas;
so that Christ was not only numbered among, and reckoned with transgressors, but he was accounted worse than the worst of them; a seditious person, a robber, and a murderer was preferred before him: see ( Acts 3:14 ) .

Matthew 27:21 In-Context

19 And while he was on the judge's seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have nothing to do with that upright man, for I have had much trouble this day in a dream because of him.

20 Now the chief priests and those in authority got the people to make request for Barabbas, and for Jesus to be put to death.

21 But the ruler made answer and said to them, Which of the two is it your pleasure that I let go free? And they said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate says to them, What, then, am I to do with Jesus, who is named Christ? They all say, Let him be put to death on the cross.

23 And he said, Why, what evil has he done? But they gave loud cries, saying, To the cross with him!