Matthew 27:1-26 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

The Chief Priest and Elders Bring about the Crucifixion of Jesus By Manipulation: The Remorse of Judas and The Trial of Jesus Before Pilate (27:1-26).

In this new subsection Matthew lays great stress on the part played by the Chief Priests and Elders in bringing about a verdict against Jesus, and emphasises their evil motive, their blood guilt and the blood guilt of the people of Jerusalem, in contrast with the total innocence of Jesus, using the account of Judas' blood guilt and remorse, and Pilate's washing of his hands to remove blood guilt, in order to bring both messages home. The result is that Jesus is delivered up to be crucified in spite of the acknowledgement by Pilate and his wife of His innocence. The emphases of the passage are on the behaviour and blood guilt of the Chief Priests and Elders in obtaining their political ends, something constantly emphasised throughout, and the continuing fact of the declaration of Jesus' innocence. Note in the analysis the alternation of the guilt of the Chief Priests and Elders and the innocence of Jesus.

A further thing to note is the typical Matthaean ‘sandwich'. Judas' declaration of Jesus' innocence, and Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence, encompass the description of the trial of Jesus by Pilate (inasmuch as it can be said to be described, for the emphasis is mainly on the charge and Jesus' reply to it), and his vain attempt to have Him released.

Analysis of Matthew 27:1-26.

a The Chief Priests and Elders of the people consult in order to have Jesus put to death (Matthew 27:1-2)

b Judas has shed innocent blood and has to ‘see to it'. He takes it on himself by suicide (Matthew 27:3-10).

c The Chief Priests and Elders seek to persuade Pilate to condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:11-14).

d Pilate seeks to have Jesus released by pairing Him with the notorious Barabbas in the choice for someone to receive an amnesty (Matthew 27:15-17).

e He knew that they (the Chief Priests and Elders) had delivered Jesus up out of envy (Matthew 27:18).

d Pilate's wife seeks to have Jesus released because of a dream (Matthew 27:19).

c The Chief Priests and Elders persuade the people to demand the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:20-23).

b Pilate claims to be free from innocent blood and tells the people to ‘see to it'. They take it on themselves (Matthew 27:24-25).

a Jesus is delivered to be crucified by Pilate as a result of the instigation of the people in response to the Chief Priests and Elders (Matthew 27:26).

Note that in ‘a' the Chief Priests and Elders consult in order to have Jesus put to death, and in the parallel they succeed. In ‘b' Judas has shed innocent blood and the Chief Priests tell him to ‘see to it', trying thereby to disclaim responsibility, while in the parallel Pilate claims to be free from innocent blood and tells the people to ‘see to it', and the people take it on themselves, (and on the Chief Priests and Elders). In ‘c' the Chief Priests and Elders seek to persuade Pilate to condemn Jesus, and in the parallel they seek to persuade the people to have Jesus condemned. In ‘d' Pilate seeks to have Jesus released and in the parallel his wife seeks to have Jesus released. Centrally in ‘e' Pilate knows that the Chief Priests and Elders have delivered Him up for envy. Note the emphasis all the way through, firstly on the influence of the Chief Priests and Elders in bringing about Jesus' death, and secondly on Jesus' innocence.

Related Commentaries of Matthew 27:1

Matthew 27:1-26

1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whoma they of the children of Israel did value;

10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him,Thou sayest.

12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

17 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?

18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.