Therefore when they were gathered together
Meaning not the chief priests and elders; for these were together
before, but the common people; and so the Persic version renders
the words, when the people increased into a multitude: for it was
to them the release of a prisoner was to be made, and so the
proposal of one; and it was at their option, who should be the
person; for it was "whom they would", as in ( Matthew
27:15 ) , and where the Ethiopic version adds, "and should
choose".
Pilate said unto them, whom will ye that I should release
unto you?
Barabbas, or Jesus, which is called Christ?
He puts it to them, whom they would choose to have released,
Barabbas, the thief and robber, the seditious person and
murderer, or Jesus, whom some called the Christ, the Messiah, the
king of the Jews. Pilate on purpose proposed such an infamous
person along with him, not doubting but they would have preferred
him, whatever were their prejudices against him, before such a
scandalous person as Barabbas; and whatever good will they might
secretly have to put Jesus to death, and release Barabbas, yet he
thought they could not, for shame, speak out their sense, and
desire him, and not Jesus. His view was not to reproach Christ,
by joining him with so wicked a man, but in order to save him.
