ACC ~ Matthew 27 v20 - 23

WHICH OF THE TWO?

ORIGEN: It is evident how the elders and the mentors of Jewish worship have stirred up the Jewish people and incited them against Jesus, that they might destroy him and have Barabbas released. For the crowds put their belief in their leaders and priests. For his part, the procurator addressed the people and said to them, “Which of the two do you wish that I release to you?” The crowd—a truly sizable crowd walking, as it were, on the “broad path that leads to destruction” [1] —sought and kept crying out to have Barabbas released to them. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 123. [2]

[1] Mt 7:13.

[2] GCS 38.2:258.

THE NAME BARABBAS

HILARY OF POITIERS: When Pilate offered to release Jesus, following the customary practice wherein the people were granted the privilege of gaining the freedom of one prisoner per solemn feast day, they were persuaded by their priests to choose Barabbas instead. Here already the mystery of their future infidelity is contained in Barabbas’s very name, which means “son of the father.” They preferred this “son of the father” to Christ. At the instigation of their leaders, they chose the Antichrist, a man of sin and son of the devil. [1] They chose the one elected for damnation over the author of life. ON MATTHEW 33.2. [2]

[1] 2 Thess 2:3.

[2] SC 258:248-50.

WHAT SHALL I DO WITH JESUS?

CHRYSOSTOM: Since the crowd asked for the other, Pilate said, “What shall I do then with the Christ?” In this way he was trying to make them embarrassed, by giving them the power to choose, that at least out of shame they might release him and their generosity could be expressed. It made them contentious to hear it said that he had done no wrong. Yet they were being given an opportunity to save him out of humanity. Surely this is an offer whose plausibility cannot be disputed. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 86.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:765; NPNF 1 10:512.