What is the meaning of Matthew 27:18? For • This opening word ties the verse to Pilate’s offer in the previous sentence—“Whom do you want me to release to you?” (Matthew 27:17). • It signals that what follows is the reason behind Pilate’s hesitation to condemn Jesus. Mark 15:10 echoes the same rationale. • Similar explanatory “for” statements appear in passages like John 3:16 and Romans 5:6, showing how Scripture often supplies motives behind key actions. he knew • Pilate’s awareness is emphasized; he was not fooled by the leaders’ façade of justice. • Luke 23:4 records his verdict: “I find no basis for a charge against this Man.” • John 18:38 and 19:4 repeat Pilate’s confession of Jesus’ innocence, underscoring that the coming crucifixion was not due to any legal guilt. • God sometimes allows even unbelieving authorities to recognize truth (Numbers 22:34; Daniel 4:37). it was out of envy • Envy, not zeal for God’s law, drove the religious leaders. Proverbs 14:30 warns that “envy rots the bones.” • Acts 13:45 shows the same emotion when leaders opposed Paul: “When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy.” • Genesis 37:11 recounts Joseph’s brothers envying him, leading to betrayal—an Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus’ rejection. • James 3:16 cautions, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” that they had handed Jesus over to him • “Handed over” (paradidōmi) is a repeated idea: Judas to the priests (Matthew 26:15), the priests to Pilate (27:2), and Pilate to the soldiers (27:26). • Acts 2:23 explains the larger plan: Jesus was “handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge.” Human envy served God’s sovereign purpose. • John 19:11 reminds Pilate—and us—that even the transfer of authority is governed from above: “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.” • The leaders’ act fulfilled Isaiah 53:8, “By oppression and judgment He was taken away.” summary Matthew 27:18 reveals the hidden motive behind the trial: Pilate recognized that the religious leaders delivered Jesus out of envy, not justice. His knowledge highlights Jesus’ innocence, exposes the destructive power of jealousy, and demonstrates how God uses even sinful motives to advance His redemptive plan. |
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