This verse describes a custom that existed during the Passover festival in Roman-occupied Judea. Let's break it down:
"Now at the feast...": This refers to the Passover festival, a major Jewish religious holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
"...the governor...": This is Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.
"...was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner...": Pilate had a tradition or practice of releasing one prisoner of the people's choosing during the Passover festival. This was likely a way to appease the population and maintain order during a potentially volatile time.
"...whom they desired.": The people had the power to choose which prisoner would be released.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the choice the crowd will be given between Jesus and Barabbas. It tells us that it was Pilate's usual custom to grant the crowd's request for the release of one prisoner during the Passover.
This verse describes a custom that existed during the Passover festival in Roman-occupied Judea. Let's break it down:
"Now at the feast...": This refers to the Passover festival, a major Jewish religious holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
"...the governor...": This is Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.
"...was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner...": Pilate had a tradition or practice of releasing one prisoner of the people's choosing during the Passover festival. This was likely a way to appease the population and maintain order during a potentially volatile time.
"...whom they desired.": The people had the power to choose which prisoner would be released.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for the choice the crowd will be given between Jesus and Barabbas. It tells us that it was Pilate's usual custom to grant the crowd's request for the release of one prisoner during the Passover.