Pilate’s Verdict of Crucifixion

from Google Images

It is reasonable that Pilate would assume the chief priests and the people would desire Jesus’ release instead of Barabbas, because the latter was really guilty of the charges the authorities levied falsely against Jesus. Pilate knew the high priests understood Jesus wasn’t really guilty of the charges they made against him, so why wouldn’t they reject one who was really guilty of the accusations they made against Jesus?

 

Who Is Barabbas?

from Google Images

The practice of Roman governors releasing Jewish criminals is never mentioned in ancient books, except in the New Testament. Moreover, many ancient manuscripts don’t have it mentioned in Luke, but this is of no real import, because, even if Luke doesn’t mention it in Luke 23:17, it is mentioned in all three of the other Gospel narratives (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6; John 18:39). Moreover, the fact that there is no mention of the practice in Jewish literature is no reason to conclude that the Gospel narratives are wrong, because many ancient records would have been destroyed in the Roman-Jewish War  in 66-70 AD. The fact is that Rome did practice such a custom in other countries of the Empire, where it is recorded that Roman governors released local prisoners during a lectisternium, festivals of the local gods. If this was introduced by Pilate to compensate for the cruelty, for which he at times treated the Jews, it would fit the context of the Passover—an event commemorating the release of Jews from captivity in Egypt (cf. John 18:39).