Bible Commentary

But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 20. ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus ] St Peter brings out the full meaning of this choice: “ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; and killed the Prince … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:20”

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 19. the judgment seat ] = “the tribunal,” generally a raised platform in the Basilica or court … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:19”

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. Verse 18. For envy] , through malice. Then it was his business, as an upright judge, to have dispersed this mob, and immediately released Jesus. Seeing malice is capable of putting even Christ himself to death, how careful should we be not to let the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:18”

Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 17. Therefore when they were gathered together ] In accordance, probably, with the custom named, Mat 27:15, an appeal was made to the people, not to the Sanhedrin. Pilate was … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:17”

And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 16. Barabbas ] = “Son of a father,” or perhaps, “Son of a Rabbi.” The reading, “Jesus Barabbas” (Mat 27:17), which appears in some copies, is rightly rejected by the best editors. As Alford remarks, Mat 27:20 is fatal to the insertion. St Mark and St … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:16”

Now at [that] feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 15. the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner ] The origin of this custom is quite unknown; St Mark says, “as he had ever done unto them,” as if the custom originated with … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:15”

And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly. To never a word – That is, not at all. He said nothing. This is, an emphatic way of saying that he answered nothing. There was no need of his replying. He was innocent, and they offered no proof of guilt. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:14”

Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? They witness against thee – This means, rather, that they accused him. They were not witnesses, but accusers. These accusations were repeated and pressed. They charged him with exciting the people, teaching throughout, all Judea from Galilee to Jerusalem, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:13”

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. When he was accused … – To wit, of perverting the nation, and of forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, Luk 23:2, Luk 23:5. Probably this was done in a tumultuous manner and in every variety of form. He answered nothing … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:12”

And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 11. the governor ] The Evangelist uses a general word instead of the more exact term “Procurator.” Art thou the King of the Jews? ] The answer of Jesus … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 27:11”