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Matthew 26:5
But they said, Not on the feastday, lest there be an uproar among the people.

Mark 15:6,8
Now atthat feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired…

Luke 23:16,17
I will therefore chastise him, and releasehim…

at the feast
The feast mentioned is the Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. This time of year drew large crowds to Jerusalem, increasing the potential for unrest, which Roman authorities were keen to manage. The Passover's themes of liberation and deliverance provide a poignant backdrop for the events of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

to release to the crowd
The act of releasing a prisoner to the crowd underscores the political dynamics at play. Pilate's decision to involve the crowd in the choice of prisoner reflects his attempt to placate the Jewish populace and avoid inciting a riot. This interaction highlights the tension between Roman authority and Jewish expectations.

a prisoner of their choosing
The choice given to the crowd introduces the concept of substitution, a key theme in Christian theology. The crowd's choice between Jesus and Barabbas (a known insurrectionist) symbolizes the broader spiritual choice between sin and salvation. This moment foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Christ, where Jesus takes the place of sinners. The decision also reflects the fickle nature of public opinion and the influence of religious leaders in swaying the crowd's choice.

“Now” (Matthew 27:15) places us squarely in the flow of events immediately after Jesus has been handed over to Pontius Pilate.

• The word signals a specific moment in God’s sovereign timeline, fulfilling prophecies such asIsaiah 53:7–8 that foretold Messiah’s unjust treatment.

• It ties directly to the rapidly unfolding Passion narrative recorded inMark 15:1–6,Luke 23:13–17, andJohn 18:28–39.

• By locating us in the “now,” Scripture underscores that every detail—down to timing—is orchestrated under God’s perfect plan (Acts 2:23).

“It was” indicates an established reality, a regular practice already in place.

• Pilate is not inventing a new gesture;John 18:39 echoes, “But it is your custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover.”

• The imperfect tense of this narrative statement highlights a habitual action, reminding us that God’s purposes often work through existing human customs (Proverbs 21:1).

Pilate, the Roman governor, adopted this yearly concession to curry favor with the populace.

• Romans prided themselves on displays of clemency;Acts 25:9 shows Festus using a similar tactic to please the Jews.

• Though Pilate’s motive is political, God’s Word shows that even earthly rulers serve divine purposes (John 19:10–11;Daniel 2:21).

• The custom becomes the stage upon which the choice between Jesus and Barabbas will dramatize the crowd’s rejection (Mark 15:7–11).

The “feast” is Passover, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:14).

• Passover already foreshadows the true Lamb’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7).

• Releasing a prisoner during Passover ironically contrasts with God’s plan to provide ultimate freedom through Christ’s death (Luke 4:18).

• The timing fulfills Jesus’ own words that He must suffer during the feast (Matthew 26:2).

Pilate’s act of “release” mirrors the biblical theme of liberation.

•Isaiah 61:1 speaks of proclaiming freedom to captives, a prophecy Jesus applied to Himself (Luke 4:21).

• Yet here, the symbol of release will be tragically misapplied: the guilty goes free while the Innocent is condemned (Acts 3:14).

• This exchange underlines substitutionary atonement, foreshadowing how Christ would “give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

The decision is handed “to the crowd,” illustrating how public opinion can be swayed.

• Chief priests and elders incite the multitude (Matthew 27:20), echoingProverbs 29:25 about the snare of man-fear.

• Pilate’s deference exposes his weakness (John 19:12–16), yet God uses the masses’ choice to advance redemption’s plan (Acts 4:27–28).

One specific “prisoner” stands ready—Barabbas (Matthew 27:16).

• Barabbas, a murderer and insurrectionist (Mark 15:7;Luke 23:19), typifies sinful humanity deserving judgment.

• His imminent release pictures the great exchange: the innocent Son bears the penalty so the guilty may go free (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The people, not Pilate, make the final selection.

• Free will is on display, yet God’s foreknowledge remains intact (Acts 2:23).

• Their choice of Barabbas over Jesus fulfillsIsaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by men.”

•John 18:40 records the crowd’s cry, sealing Jesus’ fate and unveiling the depth of human depravity apart from divine grace.

Matthew 27:15 reveals more than a curious Passover custom. It spotlights God’s sovereign orchestration using a Roman tradition to set up the ultimate exchange—Barabbas for Jesus—foreshadowing Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice. Each phrase underscores a facet of redemptive history: precise timing, political maneuvering, Passover symbolism, and human choice, all converging so the innocent Lamb would be condemned and sinners set free.