Matthew 27:17 - When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?”
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What does "Matthew 27:17" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:17 is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, and it reveals several key elements:
Context: Jesus has been arrested and brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate is trying to determine what to do with Jesus.
Pilate's Attempt to Avoid Responsibility: Pilate is clearly uneasy about condemning Jesus. He recognizes (or at least suspects) Jesus's innocence and is looking for a way out of having to execute him. It's implied that he understands the religious leaders are acting out of envy.
The Custom of Releasing a Prisoner: Pilate invokes a Passover custom of releasing one prisoner. This was likely a way to appease the populace during a potentially volatile holiday.
The Choice: Pilate offers the crowd a choice between two prisoners:
Barabbas: A notorious prisoner, likely a revolutionary or rebel, possibly involved in violence.
Jesus, called Christ: Jesus of Nazareth, who had been teaching and performing miracles but had been accused of blasphemy and sedition.
The Significance of the Choice: This is a critical moment because it presents a direct choice between two very different figures. The crowd's decision will determine the fate of Jesus. The people are essentially being asked to choose between a man of violence and a man of peace.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some believe this verse and the subsequent events fulfill prophecies about the Messiah being rejected by his own people.
In essence, Matthew 27:17 sets the stage for the crowd's rejection of Jesus and their demand for his crucifixion. It highlights Pilate's attempt to avoid responsibility, the political tensions of the time, and the tragic irony of the crowd choosing a criminal over the Messiah.
Matthew 27:17 - When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?”
What does "Matthew 27:17" mean?
This verse from Matthew 27:17 is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, and it reveals several key elements:
Context: Jesus has been arrested and brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Pilate is trying to determine what to do with Jesus.
Pilate's Attempt to Avoid Responsibility: Pilate is clearly uneasy about condemning Jesus. He recognizes (or at least suspects) Jesus's innocence and is looking for a way out of having to execute him. It's implied that he understands the religious leaders are acting out of envy.
The Custom of Releasing a Prisoner: Pilate invokes a Passover custom of releasing one prisoner. This was likely a way to appease the populace during a potentially volatile holiday.
The Choice: Pilate offers the crowd a choice between two prisoners:
Barabbas: A notorious prisoner, likely a revolutionary or rebel, possibly involved in violence.
Jesus, called Christ: Jesus of Nazareth, who had been teaching and performing miracles but had been accused of blasphemy and sedition.
The Significance of the Choice: This is a critical moment because it presents a direct choice between two very different figures. The crowd's decision will determine the fate of Jesus. The people are essentially being asked to choose between a man of violence and a man of peace.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some believe this verse and the subsequent events fulfill prophecies about the Messiah being rejected by his own people.
In essence, Matthew 27:17 sets the stage for the crowd's rejection of Jesus and their demand for his crucifixion. It highlights Pilate's attempt to avoid responsibility, the political tensions of the time, and the tragic irony of the crowd choosing a criminal over the Messiah.