MATTHEW 27:17 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?”
So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them: whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? Pilate's either/or: Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ. The governor who has found no basis for the death sentence is trying to use the crowd's Passover enthusiasm to force the release of Jesus. The Jesus who is called Christ communicates Pilate's awareness of the messianic claim.
Church Fathers on Matthew 27:17
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
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