MATTHEW 27:16 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.”
And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. Barabbas — the notorious prisoner whose notoriety made him the obvious contrast to Jesus — is the figure through whom the substitution of the Passover release will become the enacted parable of the atonement: the guilty one released in the place of the innocent one.
Church Fathers on Matthew 27:16
Because Christ had answered nothing to the accusations of the Jews, by which Pilate could acquit Him of what was alleged against Him, he contrives other means of saving Him.
Thus do the Gentiles shew favours to those whom they subject to themselves, until their yoke is riveted. Yet did this practice obtain also among the Jews, Saul did not put Jonathan to death, because all the people sought his life. [marg. note: 1 Sam 14]
In the Gospel entitled 'according to the Hebrews,' Barabbas is interpreted, 'The son of their master,' who had been condemned for sedition and murder. Pilate gives them the choice between Jesus and the robber, not doubting but that Jesus would be the rather chosen.
Read all 29 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!