New Testament
Matthew 27:15
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Now it was the governor's custom during the festival to release one prisoner — whichever one the crowd chose.
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Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
What Matthew 27:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a tradition during the Passover festival where the Roman governor would release a prisoner to the crowd. This practice was meant to appease the Jewish people and show goodwill. The choice of which prisoner to release was left to the crowd, giving them a sense of involvement in the decision. This moment is significant as it sets the stage for the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, highlighting the tension between the people's desires and the political pressures of the time. The act of releasing a prisoner symbolizes freedom, but in this case, it also foreshadows the injustice that Jesus would face. The crowd's choice reflects their priorities and the influence of the religious leaders, ultimately leading to a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. This verse illustrates the complexities of justice, mercy, and public opinion in the context of Roman rule over the Jewish people.
How to apply Matthew 27:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the power of collective decision-making and the influence of public opinion. It reminds us to be mindful of our choices and the motivations behind them, especially when they impact others. We should strive for justice and truth in our decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11–31)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:15 mean?
Matthew 27:15 describes a tradition during the Passover festival where the Roman governor would release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. This practice was intended to show goodwill towards the Jewish people and allowed them to participate in a significant decision.
What is the significance of the crowd's choice in Matthew 27:15?
The crowd's choice in Matthew 27:15 is significant as it sets the stage for the decision between releasing Jesus or Barabbas. It highlights the influence of public opinion and the political pressures faced by the governor, reflecting the complexities of justice and mercy.
What does the term 'governor' refer to in Matthew 27:15?
In Matthew 27:15, the term 'governor' refers to the Roman official in charge of Judea, who had the authority to release prisoners during the Passover festival. This role illustrates the Roman governance over the Jewish people at that time.
What is the context of the prisoner release in Matthew 27:15?
The context of the prisoner release in Matthew 27:15 is a Roman custom during the Passover festival, where the governor would grant the crowd the opportunity to choose a prisoner to be freed. This event occurs just before the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
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