But the chief priests and eldersThe chief priests and elders were influential leaders within the Jewish religious hierarchy. The chief priests included the high priest and those who had previously held the position, while the elders were respected leaders within the community. Their authority was significant in Jewish society, and they played a crucial role in maintaining religious and social order. This group was often resistant to Jesus' teachings, which challenged their authority and interpretations of the Law. Their involvement in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order.
persuaded the crowds
The act of persuasion indicates a deliberate effort by the religious leaders to sway public opinion. This reflects the leaders' fear of losing control and their determination to eliminate Jesus, whom they saw as a threat. The crowd, likely composed of pilgrims in Jerusalem for Passover, may have been easily influenced due to the leaders' authority and the charged atmosphere. This manipulation of the crowd contrasts with Jesus' earlier popularity among the people, as seen in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
to ask for Barabbas
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, known for insurrection and murder. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas presented a stark contrast: Jesus, the peaceful teacher and healer, versus Barabbas, a violent rebel. The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus symbolizes the rejection of the true Messiah in favor of a worldly figure who represented rebellion against Roman rule. This decision fulfilled the prophecy of the suffering servant, as Jesus was rejected by His own people.
and to have Jesus put to death
The demand for Jesus' death was the culmination of the religious leaders' plot against Him. This phrase underscores the gravity of the situation and the leaders' success in turning the crowd against Jesus. The call for crucifixion, a Roman method of execution reserved for the worst criminals, highlights the depth of the rejection Jesus faced. This event fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and death, such asIsaiah 53, and serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of redemption, where Jesus willingly submits to the Father's will for the salvation of humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Chief Priests and EldersReligious leaders of the Jewish community who held significant influence over the people. They were instrumental in orchestrating the plot against Jesus.
2.
The CrowdsThe general populace present during the trial of Jesus. They were swayed by the religious leaders to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
3.
BarabbasA notorious prisoner who was chosen by the crowd to be released instead of Jesus. His name means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which presents a stark contrast to Jesus, the true Son of the Father.
4.
JesusThe central figure of the Christian faith, who was unjustly condemned to death despite His innocence.
5.
Pilate's Judgment HallThe place where Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who ultimately succumbed to the crowd's demands.
Teaching Points
The Power of InfluenceThe chief priests and elders used their influence to sway the crowd. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward truth and righteousness.
The Danger of Mob MentalityThe crowd, easily swayed by the leaders, chose Barabbas over Jesus. This serves as a warning against following the majority without discernment.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus' rejection by His own people fulfills Old Testament prophecies, affirming the divine plan and sovereignty of God.
The Choice Between Two SonsThe choice between Barabbas ("son of the father") and Jesus, the true Son of God, symbolizes the spiritual choices we face between the ways of the world and the way of Christ.
Standing Firm in TruthDespite the pressure from the crowd, Pilate had the opportunity to stand for truth. This challenges us to uphold truth even when it is unpopular.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 27:20?
2.How does Matthew 27:20 illustrate the influence of leaders on public opinion?
3.What can we learn about discernment from the crowd's decision in Matthew 27:20?
4.How does Matthew 27:20 connect with Proverbs' warnings about following the wicked?
5.How can we apply Matthew 27:20 to resist peer pressure today?
6.What role does prayer play in seeking truth, as seen in Matthew 27:20?
7.Why did the chief priests and elders persuade the crowd against Jesus in Matthew 27:20?
8.How does Matthew 27:20 reflect the theme of manipulation and influence in religious leadership?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Matthew 27:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 27?
11.How do the events described in Mark 15 align with differing crucifixion accounts in the other Gospels?
12.What events transpired during the crucifixion of Jesus?
13.Who killed Jesus?
14.Why do the accounts of Judas' death in Matthew and Acts contradict each other?What Does Matthew 27:20 Mean
But• This little word signals a turning point. Pilate has just offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or Barabbas (Matthew 27:17-19).
• The conjunction shows human will moving in the opposite direction of justice and truth, illustratingProverbs 14:12—“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
•Luke 23:16-19 records Pilate’s repeated attempts to release Jesus; “but” marks the sad moment when those attempts collide with hardened hearts.
The chief priests and elders• The religious leaders—those entrusted with teaching God’s Law—step into direct opposition to the very Messiah promised in that Law (Isaiah 53:3-7;John 5:39-40).
• Their involvement fulfills Jesus’ earlier prediction: “The chief priests and elders will condemn Him to death” (Matthew 20:18).
•Acts 3:13 later contrasts their actions with God’s plan: “You handed Him over and rejected Him…though Pilate had decided to let Him go.”
Persuaded the crowds• Notice the power of influence. The leaders stir the crowd much like Jezebel swayed Israel in1 Kings 21:8-13.
•Mark 15:11 parallels this: “The chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas instead.”
• This is mob mentality over personal conviction—an echo ofExodus 23:2, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”
To ask for Barabbas• Barabbas was “a notorious prisoner” (Matthew 27:16) involved in insurrection and murder (Luke 23:19;John 18:40).
• The crowd chooses a violent rebel over the Prince of Peace, showing how sin blinds judgment (Romans 1:21-25).
• The irony is striking: the guilty man is released while the innocent One is condemned, foreshadowing the substitutionary nature of the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21;1 Peter 3:18).
And to have Jesus put to death• Their demand fulfills prophecy: “He was despised…led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:3-7).
•John 19:6 records the priests shouting, “Crucify Him!”—a chilling confirmation of their intent.
• Yet even in this injustice, God’s sovereign plan of redemption moves forward (Acts 2:23;Romans 8:28-32). Jesus willingly submits, affirming, “No one takes My life from Me; I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18).
SummaryMatthew 27:20 reveals a tragic yet ordained exchange: religious leaders manipulate a crowd to demand the release of a guilty man and the death of the sinless Son of God. It exposes the depth of human sin, the potency of misguided influence, and the stunning grace of God who transforms this injustice into the very means of salvation.
(20)
The chief priests and elders.--Brief as the statement is it implies much; the members of the Sanhedrin standing before Pilate's palace, mingling with the crowd, whispering--now to this man, now to that--praises of the robber, scoffs and slander against the Christ. As the next verse shows, they did their work effectively.
Verse 20. -
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude. For a short time the people appear to have wavered in their choice, and Pilate had hopes that his stratagem worked well. But the Sanhedrists were at hand with their insidious suggestions; not a voice was raised for Christ; all his friends were scattered or silenced; and his enemies easily swayed the fickle crowd.
Thatthey should ask (
ask for)
Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. By directing popular favour to Barabbas, they could make the condemnation of Jesus more certain. The expression in the Greek implies that they used their persuasive powers in order that (
ἵνα) the people should demand the release of Barabbas, and compass the death of Jesus.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.theΟἱ(Hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.chief priestsἀρχιερεῖς(archiereis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749:High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.eldersπρεσβύτεροι(presbyteroi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245:Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.persuadedἔπεισαν(epeisan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3982:A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.crowdsὄχλους(ochlous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3793:From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.ask forαἰτήσωνται(aitēsōntai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 154:To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.BarabbasΒαραββᾶν(Barabban)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 912:Barabbas. Of Chaldee origin; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite.andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.to have Jesus put to death.ἀπολέσωσιν(apolesōsin)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders (Matt. Mat Mt) 
