Topical Encyclopedia The tradition of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival is a notable event in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This custom is documented in the Gospels and highlights the political and social dynamics of Roman governance in Judea during the first century.Biblical Account The practice is most prominently featured in the narrative of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. According to the Gospel accounts, Pilate offered the gathered crowd a choice between releasing Jesus, who was called the Christ, and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner. The crowd, influenced by the chief priests and elders, chose Barabbas to be released, leading to Jesus' crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written: "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?'" (Matthew 27:15-17). Similarly, the Gospel of Mark records: "Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing. So the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to keep his custom. 'Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?' Pilate asked. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead" (Mark 15:6-11). The Gospel of Luke also mentions this custom: "But they all cried out together, 'Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!' (He had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)" (Luke 23:18-19). In the Gospel of John, the account is further detailed: "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?' They shouted back, 'Not this man, but Barabbas!' (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)" (John 18:39-40). Historical and Cultural Context The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover is not documented outside the New Testament, leading some scholars to debate its historical authenticity. However, it is consistent with Roman practices of placating subject peoples by granting favors during significant local festivals. The Passover, being a major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage, would have been a time of heightened nationalistic sentiment, making such a gesture politically expedient for maintaining order. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is laden with symbolic meaning. Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father," was a figure associated with rebellion and violence, contrasting sharply with Jesus, who preached peace and the Kingdom of God. The crowd's choice reflects the tragic irony of the moment, as they opt for a temporal, militant deliverer over the spiritual salvation offered by Christ. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the release of Barabbas and the subsequent crucifixion of Jesus underscore the themes of substitution and atonement central to Christian doctrine. Jesus, the innocent, takes the place of Barabbas, the guilty, prefiguring the greater spiritual exchange where Christ bears the sins of humanity. This event is a profound illustration of the Gospel message, where Jesus' sacrifice provides redemption and freedom from the bondage of sin for all who believe. The account of the prisoner release at Passover serves as a poignant reminder of the choices faced by individuals and societies, and the profound consequences of those choices in the light of divine justice and mercy. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:15Now at that feast the governor was wont to release to the people a prisoner, whom they would. Nave's Topical Index Mark 15:6 Luke 23:16,17 John 18:39 Library Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him ... Jesus and Herod In Pilate's Judgment Hall Pontius Pilate Jesus Before Pilate. The Morning of Good Friday. The Shadow of Death Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Resources If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Passover? | GotQuestions.org If Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org Passover: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Passover: Christ Called "Our Passover" Passover: Jesus Crucified at the Time of Passover: Jesus in the Temple Courtyard at the Time of Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Hezekiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Josiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by the Israelites Upon Entering Canaan Passover: Observation of, Renewed: After the Return from Babylonian Captivity Passover: Observed at the Place Designated by God Passover: Observed With Unleavened Bread (No Yeast) Passover: Penalty for Neglecting to Observe Passover: Peter Imprisoned at the Time of Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Passover: Re-Instituted by Ezekiel Passover: Strangers Authorized to Celebrate Passover: The Lamb Killed by Levites, for Those Who Were Ceremonially Unclean Passover: The Lamb of, a Type of Christ Passover: The Lord's Supper Ordained At Related Terms Passover-offering (7 Occurrences) Passover-offerings (4 Occurrences) |
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