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.

And {G1161} there was {G2258} one named {G3004} Barabbas {G912}, which lay bound {G1210} with {G3326} them that had made insurrection with him {G4955}, who {G3748} had committed {G4160} murder {G5408} in {G1722} the insurrection {G4714}.

There was in prison among the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection a man called Bar-Abba. When the crowd came up and began ask

And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.

And there was one called Barabbas, lying bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

Commentary

Mark 15:7 KJV introduces a pivotal figure in the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion: Barabbas. This verse succinctly describes him as a prisoner, bound with others who had engaged in an insurrection and committed murder. His presence sets the stage for Pontius Pilate's fateful decision and the crowd's chilling choice.

Historical and Cultural Context

During the Passover festival, it was a customary practice for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the people. This tradition, though not explicitly mentioned in other historical records outside the Gospels, is a consistent feature in the accounts of Jesus' trial (Matthew 27:15, Luke 23:17, John 18:39). Barabbas was not merely a common criminal; he was a political rebel, likely considered a zealot, involved in an uprising (`stasis` in Greek) against Roman authority. The mention of "insurrection" and "murder" highlights the severity of his crimes, placing him in stark contrast to the innocent Jesus.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Unjust Choice: The verse immediately brings into focus the shocking choice presented to the crowd: between Jesus, who had committed no crime, and Barabbas, a known rebel and murderer. This highlights the profound injustice of Jesus' trial and conviction.
  • Rejection of the True King: The crowd's eventual cry to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus (Mark 15:13) symbolizes humanity's rejection of God's rightful King in favor of a worldly, violent revolutionary.
  • Substitutionary Foreshadowing: Though not explicitly stated as such, the narrative of Barabbas's release in place of Jesus powerfully foreshadows the concept of substitutionary atonement. An innocent man (Jesus) is condemned, allowing a guilty man (Barabbas) to go free. This mirrors the spiritual truth that Christ's death frees humanity from the penalty of sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Linguistic Insights

The name Barabbas (Greek: Bar-Abbâs) is significant, meaning "son of the father" or "son of Abba." The irony is striking: the "son of the father" who was a murderer is chosen over the true Son of the Father (Jesus Christ) who offers life. The Greek word for "insurrection" here is stasis, indicating a rebellion or civil commotion, further emphasizing Barabbas's violent past and political threat.

Practical Application

Mark 15:7 challenges us to consider our own choices. Like the crowd, we are often presented with a choice between following the ways of the world (symbolized by Barabbas, representing rebellion and self-interest) and embracing the path of Christ (representing truth, peace, and self-sacrifice). This verse serves as a stark reminder of the depth of God's love, where the innocent Lamb of God was sacrificed so that humanity, guilty of spiritual rebellion and sin, could be set free. It compels us to reflect on what we truly value and whom we choose to follow in our lives.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 23:18 (4 votes)

    And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:

  • Luke 23:19 (4 votes)

    (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

  • Luke 23:25 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 27:16 (4 votes)

    And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.