Who Was Barabbas in the Bible — Meaning Explained
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner — a robber, insurrectionist, and murderer — whom Pilate released in place of Jesus at the crowd's demand.
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner — a robber, insurrectionist, and murderer — whom Pilate released in place of Jesus at the crowd's demand.
"And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?" — Matthew 27:16-17 (KJV)
What "Who Was Barabbas in the Bible?" Actually Means
Barabbas appears in all four Gospels as the prisoner released instead of Jesus at the Passover. He was, according to Scripture, a 'notable prisoner,' guilty of insurrection against Rome and of murder. Pilate, hoping to free Jesus, offered the crowd a choice between the innocent Christ and the guilty Barabbas. Stirred up by the chief priests, the people cried out, 'Not this man, but Barabbas' (John 18:40). Barabbas walked free; Jesus went to the cross. The exchange is a vivid picture of the gospel itself. Barabbas — whose name means 'son of the father' — represents every sinner: guilty, condemned, deserving death. Jesus, the truly righteous Son of the Father, took the place of the guilty so that the guilty could go free.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 27:16-17
"And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?"
John 18:40
"Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber."
Mark 15:7
"And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection."
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