Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:21

"But the governor answered and said unto them, Which of the two will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas." — Matthew 27:21 (ASV)

The leaders helped persuade the crowd. Historically, the crowd’s response is comprehensible. They have come to demand Barabbas’s release. Confronted with the choice of Barabbas or Jesus, both of whom were widely popular, their momentary faltering is resolved by their leaders. If the crowd must choose between Pilate’s choice and the Sanhedrin’s, especially if the Sanhedrin members are circulating stories of Jesus’ “blasphemy,” then there can be little doubt whom they will choose. Jews often confronted the Roman authorities with a large and noisy delegation, and now mob mentality begins to take over.

Tactically Pilate has blundered. Trying to save face he asks more questions.

The first offers the hope of a milder sentence, and the second attests Jesus’ innocence. But mob psychology prevails. The people prefer a murderous, nationalistic guerrilla leader over their Messiah, who exhorted them to love their enemies and said he would die as a ransom for many.