Matthew 27:18

18 For he knew that it was from envious hatred that Jesus had been brought before him.

Matthew 27:18 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
] He saw in their countenances, and by their charges against him, and by the whole of their conduct, that it was not out of any regard to Caesar, or to the peace and tranquillity of the civil government, or to strict justice; but from envy, at his popularity, at his fame and credit, the honour, glory, and applause he had among the people, on account of his doctrine, and miracles, that they had delivered him up into his hands; and therefore Pilate might the rather hope to succeed in this scheme of his to release him, by proposing him with so notorious a person to the populace, when the one, as he might reasonably judge, was abhorred by them, and the other had got great credit and esteem among a large number of them. The Persic version here adds the people's answer; "they answered, release Barabbas, but deliver Jesus to us".

Matthew 27:18 In-Context

16 and at this time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.

17 So when they were now assembled Pilate appealed to them. "Whom shall I release to you," he said, "Barabbas, or Jesus the so-called Christ?"

18 For he knew that it was from envious hatred that Jesus had been brought before him.

19 While he was sitting on the tribunal a message came to him from his wife. "Have nothing to do with that innocent man," she said, "for during the night I have suffered terribly in a dream through him."

20 The High Priests, however, and the Elders urged the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to demand the death of Jesus.