Matthew 27:21

21 The governor said, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" "Barabbas," they replied.

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 serving as judge, his wife sent this message to him, "Leave that righteous man alone. I've suffered much today in a dream because of him."

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and kill Jesus.

21 The governor said, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" "Barabbas," they replied.

22 Pilate said, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Crucify him!"

23 But he said, "Why? What wrong has he done?" They shouted even louder, "Crucify him!"