Luke 23:25

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

And {G1161} he released {G630} unto them {G846} him that for {G1223} sedition {G4714} and {G2532} murder {G5408} was cast {G906} into {G1519} prison {G5438}, whom {G3739} they had desired {G154}; but {G1161} he delivered {G3860} Jesus {G2424} to their {G846} will {G2307}.

he released the man who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder, the one they had asked for; and Yeshua he surrendered to their will.

As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will.

And he released him that for insurrection and murder had been cast into prison, whom they asked for; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

Commentary

Context of Luke 23:25

Luke 23:25 captures the dramatic culmination of Pontius Pilate's attempts to release Jesus and the intense pressure exerted by the Jewish religious leaders and the gathered crowd. The scene unfolds during the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a time when it was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the people. Pilate, having found no fault in Jesus worthy of death (Luke 23:4, Luke 23:14, Luke 23:22), presented the crowd with a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Barabbas was a notorious criminal, imprisoned for his involvement in sedition (insurrection against Roman rule) and murder. The verse starkly highlights the crowd's preference for a violent rebel over the innocent Son of God, leading to Jesus' condemnation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Injustice: This verse epitomizes the ultimate miscarriage of justice. An innocent man, Jesus, is condemned, while a guilty, violent criminal, Barabbas, is set free. It underscores the corrupting power of mob mentality and political expediency over truth and righteousness.
  • Human Rejection of God's Messiah: The crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus represents humanity's deep-seated rejection of God's divine provision for salvation. They preferred a worldly deliverer, who engaged in earthly rebellion, to the spiritual King who offered eternal redemption.
  • Pilate's Moral Cowardice: Despite declaring Jesus innocent multiple times, Pilate succumbs to the will of the crowd, fearing civil unrest or damage to his political standing (John 19:12). His act of "delivering Jesus to their will" highlights his failure to uphold justice.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy: While a horrific act of human sin and injustice, this event was simultaneously part of God's sovereign plan, fulfilling prophecy and leading to Christ's atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins (Acts 2:23).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses precise terms that convey the gravity of the situation:

  • "Sedition" (Greek: stasis - στάσις): This refers to an insurrection, rebellion, or uprising, indicating Barabbas was involved in political unrest against Roman authority.
  • "Murder" (Greek: phonos - φόνος): This clearly identifies Barabbas as a killer, emphasizing the violent nature of his crimes.
  • "Delivered" (Greek: paredōken - παρέδωκεν): This verb means "handed over," "betrayed," or "surrendered." It is a strong word, often used in the New Testament for Judas's betrayal of Jesus. Here, it signifies Pilate's act of surrendering Jesus into the hands of those who wished to crucify Him, abandoning his judicial responsibility.

Practical Application

Luke 23:25 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Beware of Popular Opinion: The verse cautions against allowing popular opinion or societal pressure to dictate moral choices, especially when they contradict truth and justice.
  • The Cost of Rejecting Christ: It illustrates the tragic consequences of rejecting God's perfect provision for salvation, choosing instead worldly alternatives that promise freedom but lead to spiritual death.
  • God's Unwavering Purpose: Even in the face of profound injustice and human sin, God's ultimate plan of redemption through Christ's sacrifice was perfectly executed. This offers comfort and assurance that God's purposes will prevail, even through difficult circumstances.
  • Personal Accountability: Pilate's attempt to wash his hands of responsibility (Matthew 27:24) highlights that individuals are accountable for their decisions, especially concerning Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 3:14

    But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

  • Mark 15:6

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

  • 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.

  • Mark 15:15

    ¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

  • 1 Samuel 12:13

    Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, [and] whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.

  • John 18:40

    Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

  • Luke 23:2

    And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this [fellow] perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
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