Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:16

"And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas." — Matthew 27:16 (ASV)

Perhaps Barabbas was the son of a famous rabbi (his name literally means “son of the father”). Barabbas was probably an insurrectionist, and a well-known one. Revolts and bloodshed fostered by guerrilla action were common, and Barabbas had been caught. In the eyes of many of the people he would not be a “notorious” villain but a hero.

It may be that the two who were crucified with Jesus were co-rebels with Barabbas, for Mt 27:38 uses the same word for their offense as for Barabbas. The fact that three crosses had been prepared strongly suggests that Pilate had already ordered that preparations be made for the execution of the three rebels. If so, Jesus the Messiah actually took the place of the rebel Barabbas because the people preferred the political rebel and nationalist hero to the Son of God.