Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 27:20

"Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus." — Matthew 27:20 (ASV)

Persuaded the multitude. The release of a prisoner was to be granted to the people, not to the rulers. Therefore, to secure Jesus' condemnation, the rulers urged the people to demand Barabbas. The people were greatly under the influence of the priests. Galileans among the citizens of Jerusalem were held in contempt. The priests turned the pretensions of Jesus into ridicule. Thus, in a popular tumult and among an impressionable and changeable multitude, they easily incited those who, only a short time before, had cried "Hosanna," to now cry "crucify him."