Book of Matthew - Chapter 27 - Verse 21

The verse 'The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.' (Matthew 27:21) portrays a crucial moment in the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate. In this passage, Pilate is offering the Jewish crowd a choice between releasing Jesus, whom he believed to be innocent, or Barabbas, a notorious criminal. The crowd, swayed by the religious leaders, chooses to have Barabbas released instead of Jesus. This decision highlights the injustice and moral dilemma faced by Pilate, who ultimately succumbed to political pressure and condemned Jesus to be crucified.

In this verse, the governor Pontius Pilate is faced with a decision regarding the release of a prisoner. The choice is between Jesus, who was innocent and without fault, and Barabbas, a notorious criminal and rebel. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the theme of substitution and redemption. Just as Barabbas was released in place of Jesus, who would go on to be crucified in his place, Jesus acts as the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice for all humanity. This event mirrors the concept of atonement, where someone innocent pays the price for the guilty. Through the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, God's plan for salvation and redemption is set in motion. The word study of "release" in this verse further emphasizes the act of setting free or delivering someone from bondage, which is a key aspect of the Christian message of forgiveness and liberation from sin.