Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 3:14

"But ye denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you," — Acts 3:14 (ASV)

The Holy One, etc. See Psalm 16:10. Compare to Acts 2:27.

And the Just. The word just here denotes innocent, or one who was free from crime. It properly is used in reference to law, and denotes one who stands upright in the view of the law, or who is not chargeable with crime.

In this sense the Lord Jesus was not only personally innocent, but even before his judges he stood unconvicted of any crime. The crime charged on him at first was blasphemy, Matthew 26:65; and on this charge the Sanhedrin had condemned him, without proof.

But of this charge Pilate would not take cognizance, and therefore before him they charged him with sedition, Luke 23:2. Neither of these charges were substantiated; and, of course, in the eye of the law he was innocent and just.

It greatly aggravated their crime that they demanded his death still, even after it was ascertained that they could prove nothing against him; thus showing that it was mere hatred and malice that led them to seek his death.

And desired a murderer. Matthew 27:21.