A rebel and murderer living during the time of the New Testament. He was released from prison in place of Jesus.
About Barabbas
A criminal who was released instead of Jesus. All four gospel writers took note of that event (Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:18–25; John 18:39–40). The apostle Peter also mentioned it in his temple sermon (Acts 3:14).
Barabbas was known as a bandit or revolutionary (John 18:40) and had been imprisoned for murder during a rebellion (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). The word translated “robber” in John 18:40 can refer to either a bandit or revolutionary. He was a well-known prisoner (Matthew 27:16). His crime could have been a violent robbery or a political revolt against the Roman authorities in Jerusalem. Many scholars think Barabbas might have been a member of the Zealots, a Jewish group that sought to overthrow Roman rule through violence.
Key References
Now it was Pilate’s custom at the feast to release to the people a prisoner of their choosing.
And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.
But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
All Scripture References (10)
Matthew (5)
At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.
So when the crowd had assembled, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.
So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
Mark (3)
And a man named Barabbas was imprisoned with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead.
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.
Luke (1)
But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
John (1)
“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.)