But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Ver. 20. The chief priests and elders persuaded] And prevailed. See then how needful it is that we pray for good governors; Jeroboam made Israel to sin; Peter compelled the Gentiles to Judaize, Galatians 2:14. As the corruption of a fish begins at the head, and as in a beast the whole body follows the head, so are the people overruled by their rulers.