Topical Bible: Murder: Barabbas

◄ Murder: Barabbas ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Barabbas is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, known primarily for his involvement in a notable event during the trial of Jesus Christ. His account is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:18-25, and John 18:39-40. Barabbas is described as a notorious prisoner, involved in insurrection and murder, who was released instead of Jesus at the behest of the crowd.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, had a custom of releasing a prisoner to the Jewish people during the Passover festival. This act was likely intended to appease the local population and maintain peace during a time of heightened nationalistic fervor. Barabbas, whose name means "son of the father" in Aramaic, was imprisoned for his participation in a rebellion against Roman authority, a crime that included murder (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19).

The Choice Between Jesus and Barabbas

The Gospels recount that Pilate, recognizing the innocence of Jesus and the envy of the chief priests, offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus, called the Christ, or Barabbas. The chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas' release and to demand the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:20-21). Pilate, despite his initial reluctance, capitulated to the crowd's demands, symbolically washing his hands to show his claimed innocence in the decision (Matthew 27:24).

Barabbas as a Symbol

Barabbas' release and Jesus' subsequent crucifixion serve as a profound theological symbol within Christian teachings. Barabbas, a guilty man, was set free while Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was condemned to die. This exchange is often viewed as a representation of the substitutionary atonement central to Christian doctrine, where Jesus takes the place of sinners, bearing the punishment for their transgressions.

Scriptural References

· Matthew 27:16-17 : "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 15:7 : "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 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.)"
· John 18:40 : "Not this man,' they shouted, 'but Barabbas!' (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)"

Theological Implications

Barabbas' account is a poignant reminder of the human tendency to choose sin over righteousness, and the societal pressures that can lead to unjust decisions. It also highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission, as He willingly took the place of a sinner, embodying the ultimate act of love and redemption. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus underscores the rejection of the Messiah by His own people, fulfilling prophetic scriptures and setting the stage for the redemptive work of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 15:7
And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And Pilate Said unto the Chief Priests and the Multitude...
... [37] [3507] Then Pilate released unto them that one who was cast into prison for
sedition and murder, Barabbas, whom they asked for: [3508] and he scourged ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section l and pilate said.htm

Barabbas
... they were making a hero of the vilest stuff, and clamouring for the murder of the ...
as the choice they made: "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barabbas.htm

The Trial Before Pilate Resumed.
... And he released unto them Barabbas, him that for insurrection and murder had been
cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the trial before pilate resumed.htm

"Jesus or Barabbas. "
... The other, a vicious, savage man, convicted of robbery and murder, a horrible image
of a ... Which will ye that I shall release unto you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter viii jesus or barabbas.htm

Jesus and Pilate
... cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
19. (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/jesus and pilate.htm

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him ...
... a 26 Then released he unto them Barabbas; ^c him that for insurrection and murder
had been cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxi third stage of the.htm

G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... out all together, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas"19 one
who for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder, was cast ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g jesus before pilate ch.htm

The Sentence which Condemned the Judges
... and given her vivid impressions of the danger of abetting a judicial murder. ... message,
the rulers were busy in the crowd, suggesting the choice of Barabbas. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the sentence which condemned the.htm

Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ...
... And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us
Barabbas; who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of the absence of.htm

Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's ...
... What can it be but murder? ... For that very affront the multitude cried out, 'Not this
man, but Barabbas!' And to this day we all prefer Barabbas to Christ. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvii society soon learned the.htm