Barabbas had been imprisoned for murder and rebellion against Rome. Pilate, knowing the chief priests had handed Jesus over out of envy, offered to release either Jesus or Barabbas. The crowd, stirred by the religious leaders, demanded Barabbas. Pilate released the murderer and ordered Jesus to be scourged and crucified. Some manuscripts name Barabbas as "Jesus Barabbas" (meaning "son of the father"), making the contrast: Jesus, the true Son of the Father, died while the false "son of the father" went free.
Scripture References
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