Explore the Bible Online

Matthew 27:17

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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?

Matthew 27:17 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 27:17

Theological / Devotional

Which is called Christ. Members of the Sanhedrin had already accused Jesus before Pilate as one who claimed to be “Christ a King” (Luke 23:2). The title Christ is from the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word transliterated Messiah (see on Matt. 1:1). By the Jews of Christ’s time the Messiah of prophecy was conceived of as a military leader destined to liberate their nation from the bondage of Rome. Pilate doubtless understood well the significance of the title Messiah, or Christ. The offer to release Jesus implied that, for purposes of bargaining, Pilate acknowledged Jesus as a prisoner, presumably guilty of the charges brought against Him, and that as such He was eligible for amnesty on the basis of custom.

By SdaBc