John 18:39

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

But {G1161} ye {G5213} have {G2076} a custom {G4914}, that {G2443} I should release {G630} unto you {G5213} one {G1520} at {G1722} the passover {G3957}: will ye {G1014} therefore {G3767} that I release {G630} unto you {G5213} the King {G935} of the Jews {G2453}?

However, you have a custom that at Passover I set one prisoner free. Do you want me to set free for you the ‘king of the Jews’?”

But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

In John 18:39, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, presents a stark choice to the Jewish crowd gathered before him. Recognizing Jesus' innocence and perhaps seeking to avoid a political uprising, Pilate invokes a known tradition: the custom of releasing a prisoner at the Passover festival. He then directly asks the crowd if they wish him to release "the King of the Jews," referring to Jesus.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' trial before Pilate, following His arrest and interrogation by the Jewish religious leaders. Pilate had already interrogated Jesus privately and declared, "I find in him no fault at all" (John 18:38). The custom of releasing a prisoner during Passover is also mentioned in other Gospels, such as Matthew 27:15 and Mark 15:6, highlighting its widespread recognition. Pilate's offer was an attempt to release Jesus without directly defying the Jewish leadership, placing the responsibility on the agitated crowd in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Pilate's Dilemma and Compromise: Pilate, though finding Jesus innocent, attempts to appease the Jewish leaders and the agitated crowd. His offer is a political maneuver to avoid direct confrontation, yet it ultimately leads to Jesus' condemnation, showcasing the danger of compromising justice for political expediency.
  • The World's Rejection of Christ: The crowd's subsequent choice to release Barabbas instead of Jesus (John 18:40) powerfully illustrates humanity's rejection of God's Son. They preferred a known criminal and insurrectionist over the righteous Messiah.
  • Jesus as the "King of the Jews": Pilate's use of this title, though likely sarcastic or dismissive, ironically affirms Jesus' true identity. It was the very claim that infuriated the Jewish leaders, who saw it as blasphemy and a political threat to Roman rule. This title would later be affixed to the cross (John 19:19).
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite the machinations of men, this event unfolds according to God's predetermined plan for salvation, where Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, would be sacrificed during the Passover festival itself.

Linguistic Insights

The term "custom" (Greek: ethos) refers to a long-standing or habitual practice. While not explicitly commanded in Jewish law, this practice of releasing a prisoner at Passover seems to have been a Roman concession to foster goodwill during the festival, reflecting the unique political climate of Judea under Roman occupation. The phrase "King of the Jews" (Greek: Basileus ton Ioudaiōn) was a highly charged title, carrying both political and messianic implications, central to the accusations against Jesus during His trial.

Practical Application

This passage challenges us to consider our own choices concerning Christ. Do we, like the crowd, reject the truth and choose what the world offers, or do we acknowledge Jesus as our true King and Lord? It also serves as a reminder that even when faced with clear evidence of innocence, human leaders can succumb to popular pressure and compromise justice. Our ultimate allegiance should always be to the truth and to God's will, regardless of the crowd's opinion or political expediency, as exemplified by Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission on the cross.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 27:15

    Now at [that] feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

  • Matthew 27:18

    For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

  • Matthew 27:20

    But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

  • Matthew 27:23

    And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

  • Mark 15:6

    Now at [that] feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

  • Mark 15:14

    Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

  • Luke 23:16

    I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

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