Barabbas
Male
I.e., son of Abba or of a father, a notorious robber whom Pilate proposed to condemn to death instead of Jesus, whom he wished to release, in accordance with the Roman custom (John 18:40; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). But the Jews were so bent on the death of Jesus that they demanded that Barabbas should be pardoned (Matt. 27:16-26; Acts 3:14). This Pilate did.
Relationships
Events Roman Trials
Appears in Matthew
Key verses
Matthew 27:26
Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.
Mark 15:15
Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.
John 18:40
Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Matthew 27:20
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Luke 23:18
But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!”—
Matthew 27:17
When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?”