Topical Encyclopedia Barabbas is a notable figure in the New Testament, primarily recognized for his release by Pontius Pilate in place of Jesus Christ. His account is recounted in all four Gospels: Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:18-25, and John 18:39-40. The account of Barabbas highlights the political and social tensions of the time, as well as the fulfillment of divine prophecy regarding the Messiah.Historical Context Barabbas was a prisoner held by the Roman authorities in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus' trial. The Gospels describe him as a "notorious prisoner" (Matthew 27:16) and a "rebel" who had committed murder during an insurrection (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). His imprisonment was a result of his participation in a violent uprising against Roman rule, a common occurrence in Judea during this period of Roman occupation. The Custom of Release The Gospels note a custom during the Passover festival where the Roman governor would release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. This practice was likely intended to appease the Jewish populace and maintain order during the significant religious festival. Pilate, the Roman governor, offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus, whom he found innocent, and Barabbas, a known criminal. The Choice of the Crowd Despite Pilate's attempts to reason with the crowd and his acknowledgment of Jesus' innocence, the chief priests and elders persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas' release and demand Jesus' crucifixion. In Matthew 27:20-21 , it is written, "But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. 'Which of the two do you want me to release to you?' asked the governor. 'Barabbas,' they replied." Symbolism and Theological Implications The release of Barabbas and the subsequent crucifixion of Jesus carry deep theological significance. Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father" (Bar-Abbas), is often seen as a representation of fallen humanity, guilty and deserving of punishment. In contrast, Jesus, the true Son of the Father, is innocent yet takes the place of the guilty, embodying the core Christian doctrine of substitutionary atonement. The choice of the crowd to free Barabbas over Jesus also serves as a poignant illustration of the rejection of the Messiah by His own people, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:3 : "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief." Barabbas in Christian Thought Throughout Christian history, Barabbas has been viewed as a symbol of the sinner set free by the sacrifice of Christ. His release is a powerful reminder of the grace offered through Jesus' death and resurrection. The narrative challenges believers to reflect on the nature of justice, mercy, and the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work. Barabbas' account, though brief, is a critical component of the Passion narrative, underscoring the themes of justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of God's salvific plan through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:16-26And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Nave's Topical Index Mark 15:7-15 Luke 23:18-25 John 18:40 Acts 3:14 Library And Pilate Said unto the Chief Priests and the Multitude... Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit In Pilate's Judgment Hall The Trial Before Pilate Resumed. Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ... Jesus and Pilate Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him ... Crucified, Dead and Buried Pilate The Sentence which Condemned the Judges Resources Who was Caiaphas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion? | GotQuestions.org What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Barabbas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |