Who was Barabbas in the New Testament?

Barabbas is a figure who appears in all four Gospels of the New Testament, specifically during the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. His role, though brief, plays a critical part in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Barabbas is presented as a notorious prisoner who was released to the crowd in place of Jesus. This act of release highlights several significant themes, including the injustice of Christ’s condemnation, the fickleness of the crowd, and the substitutionary aspect of Jesus’ sacrifice.

To understand who Barabbas was and why his release is such an essential part of the Gospel narrative, we need to explore his background, the political and social context of the time, and how the decision to release him instead of Jesus fits within the broader story of Christ’s passion.

The Identity of Barabbas

Barabbas is introduced as a criminal in all four Gospels: Matthew 27:16, Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19, and John 18:40. The Gospels provide some details about his crimes, but they vary slightly in their descriptions.

• Matthew 27:16 (NKJV) refers to Barabbas as a “notorious prisoner.” This suggests that Barabbas was well-known, possibly infamous, in the region for his criminal activities.
• Mark 15:7 (NKJV) gives more specifics: “And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion.” This verse identifies Barabbas as part of a rebellion and further notes that he was guilty of murder, indicating that he was not merely a common criminal but a political insurgent, likely involved in a revolt against Roman authority.
• Luke 23:19 (NKJV) confirms this, stating that Barabbas was “who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.”
• John 18:40 (NKJV) adds a further detail, labeling Barabbas as a “robber.” However, the term used for “robber” in the Greek could also imply someone involved in insurrection or rebellion against Rome, aligning with the other descriptions of Barabbas as a revolutionary figure.

These descriptions give us a picture of this man who was not merely a petty thief but someone involved in significant political unrest, perhaps even an attempt to overthrow Roman rule. His crimes of murder and insurrection would have made him a figure of hatred for the Roman authorities but possibly a hero or at least a sympathetic figure to certain segments of the Jewish population who resented Roman occupation.

The Custom of Releasing a Prisoner

The release of Barabbas in place of Jesus takes place within the context of a Passover custom. According to the Gospel accounts, it was the custom of the Roman governor to release one prisoner to the Jewish people during the Passover festival as a gesture of goodwill.

• Matthew 27:15 (NKJV) explains: “Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.”
• Mark 15:6 (NKJV) states similarly: “Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested.”
• Luke 23:17 (NKJV) says: “(for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).”
• John 18:39 (NKJV) adds: “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

The exact origins of this custom are not well-documented outside of the Gospels, but it seems to have been a practice that the Roman authorities used to placate the Jewish population by showing leniency toward one of their prisoners during the Passover. This custom would have been especially meaningful during Passover, a festival that commemorated the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and was a time when nationalistic fervor against Roman occupation was likely heightened.

The Trial of Jesus and Barabbas’ Release

The decision to release Barabbas over Jesus is one of the most dramatic moments in the trial of Jesus. It takes place after Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, who struggles to find a legitimate charge against Jesus. Pilate knows that the Jewish leaders are accusing Jesus out of envy and that Jesus is not truly guilty of any crime worthy of death (Matthew 27:18).

Pilate, sensing an opportunity to avoid condemning an innocent man, offers the crowd a choice: to release Jesus or Barabbas. He likely expected the crowd to choose Jesus, believing that the people would not want a dangerous criminal like Barabbas back on the streets.

• Matthew 27:17-18 (NKJV): “Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?’ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.”
• Mark 15:9 (NKJV) adds: “But Pilate answered them, saying, ‘Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?’ For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.”

However, Pilate’s plan backfires. The chief priests and elders persuade the crowd to demand Barabbas’ release instead of Jesus.

• Matthew 27:20-21 (NKJV): “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’”

Pilate, despite his reluctance, succumbs to the will of the crowd and releases Barabbas. In doing so, he condemns Jesus to crucifixion.

• Matthew 27:26 (NKJV): “Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.”

The Significance of Barabbas’ Release

The release of Barabbas over Jesus is rich with theological symbolism and speaks to several important themes in the New Testament.

1. The Injustice of Christ’s Condemnation

The release of Barabbas highlights the injustice of Jesus’ trial and condemnation. Jesus, who was innocent, is sentenced to die, while Barabbas, a guilty man, is set free. This stark contrast underscores the wrongful nature of the charges against Jesus and the corruption of those who sought His death.

Pilate himself recognized that Jesus was innocent and repeatedly sought to release Him, but he ultimately bowed to the pressure of the crowd. This miscarriage of justice is a central part of the passion narrative, illustrating the depth of human sinfulness and the extent of Jesus’ suffering for the sake of humanity.

2. The Fickleness of the Crowd

The crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a powerful example of how quickly public opinion can shift. Just days earlier, many of the same people had welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with cries of “Hosanna” (Matthew 21:9), celebrating Him as the Messiah. Yet now, under the influence of the religious leaders, they call for His crucifixion and the release of a known criminal.

This shift in the crowd’s attitude serves as a reminder of the dangers of mob mentality and the unreliability of popular opinion. It also points to the fulfillment of prophecy, as Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3, NKJV).

3. The Substitutionary Aspect of Jesus’ Sacrifice

Perhaps the most profound theological significance of Barabbas’ release lies in the substitutionary nature of the event. Barabbas, a guilty man, is set free, while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, takes his place and is condemned to die. This exchange serves as a vivid illustration of the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus dies in the place of sinners.

In a sense, Barabbas represents all of humanity-guilty of sin and deserving of punishment. Yet, through the grace of God, Jesus takes the punishment that we deserve. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8 (NKJV): “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Barabbas’ freedom at the expense of Jesus’ life foreshadows the ultimate act of redemption that Jesus would accomplish on the cross. Just as Barabbas was spared from the punishment he deserved, so too are all believers spared from the eternal consequences of sin through the sacrifice of Christ.

4. Barabbas as a Symbol of Human Sinfulness

Barabbas also serves as a symbol of human sinfulness. He was guilty of murder and rebellion, crimes that reflect the broader rebellion of humanity against God. In releasing this criminal and condemning Jesus, the crowd unwittingly chose to free sin and rebellion while rejecting the Savior. This choice mirrors the spiritual condition of all people who reject Christ and choose sin over salvation.

The name “Barabbas” itself is significant. In Aramaic, “Barabbas” means “son of the father.” This ironic detail underscores the contrast between Barabbas, a son of the earthly father, who is guilty and deserving of punishment, and Jesus, the Son of the Heavenly Father, who is innocent and yet willingly lays down His life for the sake of sinners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barabbas is a pivotal figure in the passion narrative, representing both the injustice of Jesus’ trial and the substitutionary nature of His sacrifice. He was a notorious criminal, guilty of rebellion and murder, yet he was set free while Jesus, the innocent Son of God, was condemned to die. This exchange underscores the themes of injustice, human sinfulness, and the grace of God that is central to the Gospel message.

The release of Barabbas highlights the fickleness of human opinion, the depth of human sin, and the incredible love of God, who sent His Son to die in our place. Just as this criminal was spared from the punishment he deserved, so too are all who put their faith in Christ saved from the consequences of sin. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are set free, and the power of sin and death is broken.

The story of Barabbas is a powerful reminder of the cost of our salvation and the incredible grace that God has extended to us through Jesus Christ.