The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:20

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude. For a short time the people appear to have wavered in their choice, and Pilate had hopes that his stratagem worked well. But the Sanhedrists were at hand with their insidious suggestions; not a voice was raised for Christ; all his friends were scattered or silenced; and his enemies easily swayed the fickle crowd.

That they should ask (ask for) Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. By directing popular favour to Barabbas, they could make the condemnation of Jesus more certain. The expression in the Greek implies that they used their persuasive powers in order that ( ἱ ìνα) the people should demand the release of Barabbas, and compass the death of Jesus.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:1-66EXPOSITION Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2 Jesus brought to Pilate. (Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Luke 23:1; John 18:28.)Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 27:11-25Having no malice against Jesus, Pilate urged him to clear himself, and laboured to get him discharged. The message from his wife was a warning. God has many ways of giving checks to sinners, in their sinful pursuits, an…Matthew Henry commentaryChrist at the Bar of PilateCHRIST AT THE BAR OF PILATE. We have here an account of what passed in Pilate's judgment-hall, when the blessed Jesus was brought thither betimes in the morning. Though it was no court-day, Pilate immediately took his c…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-31The actors in a momentous tragedy. The scene is laid in Jerusalem, in the palace of the Roman governor. The occasion is the trial of the Lord Jesus for his life. The whole human race and all the ages are interested. Beh…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:11-25Christ before Pilate. I. THE ACCUSATION. 1. Pilate's question. Pilate was proud and cruel; he despised and hated the Jews. But he had something of the old Roman love of justice—he would not condemn the Lord unheard, as…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:15-26Barabbas preferred to Jesus. (Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:17-25; John 18:39, John 18:40.)Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 27:15-30Christ before Pilate. No. 2. The other evangelists tell us of Pilate's first and fatal mistake, in offering, while convinced of his Prisoner's innocence, to chastise him and let him go. He showed the Jews he was afraid…Joseph S. Exell and contributors