Matthew 27:21

21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" "Barabbas!" they answered.

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 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!"

20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus.

21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" "Barabbas!" they answered.

22 Pilate asked them, "What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?" They all answered, "Crucify Him!"

23 Then he said, "Why? What has He done wrong?" But they kept shouting, "Crucify Him!" all the more.