Matthew 27:21

21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to free for you?" They said, "Barabbas."

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 Pilate was judging the case, his wife sent him a message. It said, "Leave that innocent man alone. I've been very upset today because of a dream I had about him."

20 But the chief priests and leaders persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus.

21 The governor asked them, "Which of the two do you want me to free for you?" They said, "Barabbas."

22 Pilate asked them, "Then what should I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?" "He should be crucified!" they all said.

23 Pilate asked, "Why? What has he done wrong?" But they began to shout loudly, "He should be crucified!"