Topical Bible: Criminals: Released at Feasts

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In the context of the New Testament, the practice of releasing a prisoner during a feast is most notably associated with the events surrounding the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This custom is highlighted in the Gospels, where it is depicted as a tradition observed by the Roman authorities in Judea during the Passover festival.

Biblical Account

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all recount the incident involving the release of a prisoner at the feast. The most detailed accounts are found in Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:17-25, and John 18:39-40. According to these passages, it was customary for the Roman governor to release one prisoner chosen by the crowd during the Passover festival. This practice served as a gesture of goodwill towards the Jewish populace.

In the case of Jesus, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate found himself in a politically and socially precarious situation. Pilate, recognizing the innocence of Jesus and the envy of the Jewish leaders, sought to release Him. However, the crowd, influenced by the chief priests and elders, demanded the release of Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, instead of Jesus.

Key Passages

· Matthew 27:15-17 : "Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing. At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, 'Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?'"

· Mark 15:6-7 : "Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection."

· Luke 23:18-19 : "But they all cried out in unison: 'Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!' (Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)"

· John 18:39-40 : "But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?' 'Not this man,' they shouted, 'but Barabbas!' (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)"

Historical and Cultural Context

The practice of releasing a prisoner during a feast is not extensively documented outside the Gospels, leading some scholars to debate its historical origins. However, it is plausible that such a custom could have been a Roman practice aimed at placating the local population and maintaining order during significant Jewish festivals, which were times of heightened nationalistic fervor.

The choice of Barabbas over Jesus is significant in the narrative of the Gospels. Barabbas, described as a rebel and murderer, represents the antithesis of Jesus, who is portrayed as the innocent and righteous Messiah. The crowd's choice underscores the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders and the populace, fulfilling the prophetic themes of the suffering servant found in Isaiah 53.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus is rich with symbolism. It highlights the substitutionary aspect of Jesus' atonement, where the innocent suffers in place of the guilty. This event prefigures the greater spiritual reality of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where He takes upon Himself the sins of humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation with God.

The incident also serves as a poignant reminder of the fickle nature of human judgment and the fulfillment of God's sovereign plan through the apparent miscarriage of justice. Despite the injustice of the situation, God's redemptive purposes are ultimately accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 27:15,21
Now at that feast the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would.
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Mark 15:6
Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
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Luke 23:17
(For of necessity he must release one to them at the feast.)
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Library

The Morning of Good Friday.
... sacrifice usual at each of the three Great Feasts). ... probably scarcely one out of
many criminals but would ... Passover [6015] the Roman Governor released to the ...
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