Matthew 27:16-18

The Voice

¹⁶At this time, they had a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. ¹⁷So when the crowd gathered, Pilate offered them a choice:

Pilate: Whom do you want me to free? Barabbas or Jesus, whom some call the Anointed One?

Pilate could call Him “Jesus of Nazareth” or “Jesus the Carpenter,” but he says, “whom some call the Anointed One.” It is significant that Pilate is in a position where he passes judgment. He determines who will live and who will die, and he is preparing to hold court.

¹⁸Pilate knew the chief priests and elders hated Jesus and had delivered Him up because they envied Him.

Read full chapter