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Explanation for:
Matthew
27
:
16
And he had then a notorious prisoner, that was called Barabbas.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel of the Hebrews, this Barabbas is referred to as the son of their teacher and was found guilty of treason and murder. Pilate offers them a choice regarding whom they wish to set free: the robber or Jesus. He is certain that Jesus is the one to be selected, as he understands that they handed him over out of jealousy. Thus, it is clear that the motive behind the crucifixion was envy."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"During the festival, particularly the Passover, it is noted that Pilate stated, \\"But it is your custom that I will let one of you go on the Passover\\" (John 18:39). Luke provides a clearer account regarding Barabbas, indicating that he was incarcerated for the violence and murder committed in the city (Luke 23:19). Thus, despite Pilate's inability to acquit Jesus Christ, who was entirely blameless, he attempted to show leniency toward Him on this holy day, as though He had been condemned."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When the Lord chose not to vindicate Himself, fully aware that even if He did, His release would not come, Pilate opted for another approach, ultimately relying on tradition. It seemed as though he was saying, \\"If you will not set free Jesus, who is innocent, then grant Him some joy during the festival, even though He is condemned.\\" How could Pilate possibly think they would demand the crucifixion of the innocent Jesus while freeing a guilty thief? Understanding that Christ is blameless yet envied, he poses his inquiry to them, revealing his own frailty, as he should have stood firm for righteousness. Thus, he deserves condemnation for failing to uphold the truth. The name ‘Barabbas’ means ‘the son of the father,’ with ‘bar’ denoting son and ‘abba’ signifying father. Therefore, the Jews asked for the son of their true father, the devil, and chose to crucify Jesus. They continue to embrace the son of their father, the Antichrist, while rejecting Christ."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At that time, there was a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. He had been convicted of robbery and was incarcerated for the violent acts and murder he committed in the city, along with other insurrectionists. Pilate presented our Lord next to this criminal, pondering whether the Jews would choose a revolutionist and killer over Jesus."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A recognized convict: that is, identified by his crimes. Barabbas, who is also referred to as Jesus, as indicated in various ancient records, translations, and by several early authors, was a thief and a killer."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Gumilevski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896f4b6fd32caa244b5d7_Philaret%20(Gumilevski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Sanhedrin approached Pilate after Jesus had been sent from Herod; however, Pilate recognized that his cleverness had not resolved his issues but had only left him in the same predicament. He was confronted with the arrogant Sanhedrin and the purity of Jesus. He informed the Sanhedrin that after his investigation, conducted in their presence, he found Jesus Christ to be innocent, and Herod’s court had deemed Him worthy of no capital punishment; thus, Pilate stated, it was open to him to either release Jesus or impose a penalty. The Sanhedrin remained silent, and Pilate sensed that his ruling was unexpected (Luke 23:13-16). The battle between his weakness and his conscience was still unresolved, leading him to consider another option. \\n\\nAs was customary, the populace anticipated that Pilate would grant pardon to a prisoner during the Passover feast (Mark 15:8). Consequently, Pilate presented the choice between two men, Barabbas or Jesus Christ. It was clear that Pilate aimed to liberate Jesus, convinced that the trial stemmed solely from jealousy (Mark 15:10). But why was there a longing for good without corresponding action? Why was there an understanding of the truth yet a lack of steadfast defense for it? The reason lay in his insincere affection for truth, as worldly desires drowned out the gentle urging of his conscience. Pilate compromised the truth not only by expressing his belief in Jesus' innocence to the Sanhedrin but also by vowing to punish the innocent Savior in contradiction to his belief. He ventured further into deception when he equated the pure Jesus with Barabbas. \\n\\nWho was Barabbas? A rebel and a thief (Luke 23:15), imprisoned alongside other insurrectionists who had committed murder during the uprising (Mark 15:7). Pilate likened the sinless Jesus to such a scoundrel! What was Pilate’s strategy? Did he genuinely believe that the obvious criminal could be favored over the innocent Jesus? He did. But was he acting as a judge? Was he fulfilling his role as a representative of Caesar? No. He relinquished his rights and transferred them into the hands of others. To whom did he surrender his authority? To the very wicked! The proud Roman descended further into moral decline. It now seems likely that Pilate would find camaraderie with Caiaphas, much as he had with Herod. It became increasingly clear that all manner of sinners were rallying against Jesus Christ—hypocritical evildoers, shameless Sadducees, individuals of resolve alongside those weakened by decadence, representatives of powerful Rome and of frail royalty, educated and uneducated alike, soldiers and servants. Additionally, the very people who had recently proclaimed hosanna to Him in excitement would stand with His adversaries."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When Pilate discovered that Herod had not condemned Jesus but had merely ridiculed Him, he went out to the Lyphostron. He addressed the chief priests, the leaders of the people, and the crowd, stating: ‘You have brought this man to me, claiming that He is leading the people astray; and behold, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no guilt in this man regarding any of the charges you bring against Him; nor has Herod, for I sent Him to him, and no reason for death has been found in Him’ (Luke 23:14-15). Therefore, I must release Him. However, if you believe Him to be guilty of something deserving of punishment, I can chastise Him at your request, but after punishing Him... I will release Him’ (Luke 23:16). Is this the action of a just judge? To declare the Accused innocent of the charges while simultaneously punishing Him to appease His spiteful accusers?! Pilate seemed to wish to placate both sides, but he misjudged the situation: the chief priests grew even more aggressive in their demands, and no compromise could quell their desire for blood; only the death of Jesus would satisfy them. Nevertheless, Pilate remained hopeful to propose an outcome that might please both parties. The crowd reminded him of the tradition of releasing a prisoner before Passover, and although he understood that they would likely ask for Barabbas, a man convicted of insurrection and murder, he thought that if he offered to release Jesus instead of Barabbas, they might seize the opportunity to set free their prophet from Galilee. Thus, he posed the question to the people, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?"},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Faced with the need to reconsider a case that troubled him and wishing to preserve the innocence of a man he believed to be blameless while honoring the integrity of his initial acquittal, Pilate sought to evoke the compassion and kindness of the crowd. It was customary for the Roman governor during Passover to free a prisoner based on the people's preference. Aware that the charges against Jesus stemmed from the chief priests and elders, and recognizing the recent surge of the people's affection for Him, he suggested the release of two prisoners, providing the choice between Christ and the notorious criminal Barabbas, hoping the crowd would choose the one whom they had recently hailed as the Son of David."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Pilot, noticing the unwavering determination of the chief priests, proposed that Jesus be released, adhering to the tradition of setting a prisoner free during Passover. This approach would allow the Sanhedrin's ruling to stand while sparing the accused's life. To appease their animosity towards Jesus, Pilate ordered Him to be scourged. However, the crowd, swayed by the chief priests, cried out for Barabbas instead of Jesus. Confused about how to proceed, Pilate received a message from his wife, who had just experienced a dream that strongly involved the Righteous One. She warned him, without mentioning the Righteous One by name, to avoid condemning Him, which Pilate recognized as a possibility (Matt. 27:19). This dream further inclined Pilate to consider releasing Jesus, as the notion of condemning an innocent being to death troubled even a Gentile. Yet, the chief priests intensified their pressure, directly accusing Jesus of inciting turmoil among the people. They claimed He was misleading them by instructing them not to pay taxes to Caesar, thereby drawing on their initial charge (Luke 23:2). Persisting in this accusation, they asserted that Jesus had brought this doctrine from Galilee."},{"author-name":"Nikolaj Alexandrow","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Herod's assessment further bolstered Pilate's belief in Christ's innocence. Yet, when Pilate conveyed this to the Sanhedrin, they once more insisted on Christ's execution. Lacking the resolve to defy their unlawful demand, Pilate sought a solution that would appease both the Sanhedrin and himself, aiming to preserve Christ's life. He intended to utilize the customary practice of releasing one prisoner, chosen by the crowd, during the Passover festival. At that moment, a notorious criminal named Barabbas was held in custody, facing the death penalty for his numerous murders and insurrection against Roman authority. When Pilate proposed to free Jesus, the Sanhedrin members, along with the crowd they swayed, erupted in cries: Not this man, but Barabbas (John 18:40)."}]}
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