Matthew 27:23

23 The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying: 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 And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said: Barabbas.
22 Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified.
23 The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified.
24 And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man. Look you to it.
25 And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and upon our children.
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