Luke 23:19

Commentary on Luke 23:19 (KJV)

Luke 23:19 provides crucial background information about Barabbas, the prisoner offered for release by Pontius Pilate during Jesus's trial. This verse highlights the stark contrast between Barabbas and Jesus, setting the stage for one of history's most pivotal choices.

Context

This verse immediately follows Pilate's declaration to the Jewish leaders and the crowd that he finds no fault in Jesus (Luke 23:4, Luke 23:14, Luke 23:22). To appease the agitated crowd, Pilate proposes releasing a prisoner according to the custom of Passover (Matthew 27:15, Mark 15:6). Barabbas is then introduced as the alternative to Jesus. His crimes, "sedition made in the city" and "murder," paint him as a violent revolutionary, likely involved in an uprising against Roman authority, which often led to bloodshed. This context underscores the political tensions of the time under Roman occupation and the volatile nature of the crowd.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Barabbas: Barabbas is presented as a notorious criminal, a direct antithesis to Jesus. While Jesus is innocent and preaches peace, Barabbas is guilty of violent insurrection and murder. He represents the very kind of earthly rebel some might have expected a Messiah to be.
• Dramatic Contrast and Injustice: The verse sets up a profound choice for the crowd: the innocent Son of God or a violent criminal. The ultimate decision to release Barabbas and condemn Jesus (Luke 23:18) highlights the deep injustice of Jesus's trial and the perversion of justice by human will.
• Substitutionary Atonement: Although not explicitly stated, this event powerfully foreshadows the concept of substitutionary atonement. The guilty Barabbas is set free, while the innocent Jesus is condemned to die. This serves as a vivid illustration of Christ taking the place of sinners, bearing the penalty we deserved.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV terms "sedition" and "murder" are straightforward. "Sedition" (Greek: stasis) refers to a rebellion, insurrection, or riot, indicating a public disturbance against governing authority. "Murder" (Greek: phonos) means the act of killing, emphasizing the violent nature of Barabbas's crimes. These terms solidify his identity as a serious offender, making the crowd's choice even more shocking.

Practical Application

Luke 23:19, and the subsequent choice, challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we, like the crowd, reject the innocent Son of God in favor of worldly desires, self-interest, or even perceived "freedom" that comes through rebellion against God's will? This verse reminds us of:

• The Choice We Face: Every day, we are presented with a choice between following Christ's path of truth, love, and righteousness, and yielding to the impulses of our fallen nature or the ways of the world.
• The Cost of Our Salvation: It underscores the immense grace of God, where the truly guilty are offered freedom through the sacrifice of the innocent. Jesus died so that we, who are spiritually imprisoned by sin, might be set free.
• The Dangers of Mob Mentality: The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against succumbing to popular opinion or emotional fervor that can lead to profound injustice and moral compromise.