Matthew 27:15

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

Now {G1161} at {G2596} that feast {G1859} the governor {G2232} was wont {G1486} to release {G630} unto the people {G3793} a {G1520} prisoner {G1198}, whom {G3739} they would {G2309}.

It was the governor's custom during a festival to set free one prisoner, whom ever the crowd asked for.

Now it was the governor’s custom at the feast to release to the crowd a prisoner of their choosing.

Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.

Matthew 27:15 (KJV) details a significant custom during the Jewish Passover, setting the stage for the dramatic events surrounding Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse describes a practice specific to the Passover feast in Jerusalem: the Roman governor's custom of releasing a prisoner chosen by the people. While extra-biblical evidence for this exact "Paschal amnesty" is limited, the Gospels present it as a well-established tradition. The Passover was a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor among the Jewish people, making it a volatile period for Roman authorities. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor (Matthew 27:2), likely used this custom as a gesture of goodwill or a means to maintain peace and manage the large crowds gathered for the festival. It demonstrates the complex interplay between Roman rule and Jewish traditions during this critical period.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Governor's Custom: This verse highlights a unique aspect of Roman provincial administration during the time of Jesus, demonstrating Pilate's authority and his attempts to navigate the volatile political climate in Judea.
  • Setting the Stage for a Choice: The custom introduces the critical choice that the people would soon face: between Jesus, whom Pilate perceived as innocent, and Barabbas, a notorious prisoner (Matthew 27:16). This custom becomes the mechanism through which Jesus is condemned despite Pilate's efforts to release him.
  • Foreshadowing Injustice: The very existence of this custom, and how it is employed, foreshadows the profound injustice that will befall Jesus, as the crowd's preference will ultimately lead to his crucifixion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "was wont to release" simply means "was accustomed to release" or "had the custom of releasing." The Greek word for "governor" is hegemon, referring to a Roman prefect or procurator, which accurately describes Pontius Pilate's official position. The "feast" mentioned is unequivocally the Passover, a pivotal annual celebration for the Jewish people, commemorating their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:14).

Practical Application

Matthew 27:15, while descriptive of an ancient custom, reminds us of several timeless principles. It illustrates how external pressures and popular opinion can sway those in authority, even against their better judgment. Pilate's attempt to use this custom to release Jesus ultimately failed because of the crowd's manipulated desires. This serves as a sober reminder of the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of standing for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular. It also underscores God's sovereign plan, working through human actions and customs to fulfill prophecy and bring about the ultimate redemption through Christ's sacrifice.

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.

  • John 19:16

    ¶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

  • Acts 25:9

    But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

  • John 18:38

    Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault [at all].

  • John 18:40

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

  • Mark 15:6

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

  • 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.

  • Luke 23:16

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

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