Matthew 27:23

23 "Why, what crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they kept on furiously shouting, "Let him be crucified!"

Matthew 27:23 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 27:23

And the governor said, why, what evil hath he done?
&c.] What reason can be given, why he should be crucified? what sin has he committed, that deserves such a death? From whence it is clear, that of all the things they had accused him, they had not, in Pilate's account, given proof of one single action, that was criminal, nor had he done any: he came into the world without sin, he did none in it; he knew no sin, nor could any be found in him, by Satan, nor his accusers, nor his judge:

but they cried out the more, saying, let him be crucified:
the more they saw Pilate inclined to favour him, and pleaded for him, and attested his innocence; the more clamorous, outrageous, and urgent they were to have him crucified.

Matthew 27:23 In-Context

21 So when the Governor a second time asked them, "Which of the two shall I release to you?" --they cried, "Barabbas!"
22 "What then," said Pilate, "shall I do with Jesus, the so-called Christ?" With one voice they shouted, "Let him be crucified!"
23 "Why, what crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they kept on furiously shouting, "Let him be crucified!"
24 So when he saw that he could gain nothing, but that on the contrary there was a riot threatening, he called for water and washed his hands in sight of them all, saying, "I am not responsible for this murder: you must answer for it."
25 "His blood," replied all the people, "be on us and on our children!"
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