Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Luke 23:18

πανπληθεί. If we read πλήθει for πανπληθεί, the meaning will be that ‘they (the priests) called aloud to the multitude,’ as in Matthew 27:20. The choice of Barabbas by the mob was not spontaneous; it was instigated by these priestly murderers. The guilt of the Crucifixion rests mainly with the Priests, because it was mainly due to their personal influence (Mark 15:11).

ἀπόλυσον … ἡμῖν κ.τ.λ. This was the last drop in the cup of Jewish iniquity. Romans 11:30-33.

τὸν Βαραββᾶν. Bar-Abbas, ‘Son of a (distinguished) father,’ or Bar-Rabbas, ‘Son of a great Rabbi.’ Origen had the reading, ‘Jesus Bar-Abbas,’ in Matthew 27:17, and as Jesus was a common name, and Bar-Abbas is only a patronymic, the reading is not impossible. At this stage of the trial, Barabbas may have been led out, and the choice offered them between ‘Jesus Bar-Abbas and Jesus which is called Christ’ as they stood on the pavement side by side.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Luke 23:18

Old Testament

New Testament