Benjamin Urrutia, who co-authored The Logia of Yeshua: The Sayings of Jesus, believes that Yeshua Bar Abba or Jesus Barabbas was actually Jesus of Nazareth, known by a different name. Like I mentioned in the other answers, the history of Barabbas is extremely sparse. Many have placed blame for Christs death on the Jews, commonly citing Matthew 27:25, in which the crowd shouts, His blood be on us and on our children! However, numerous modern Christian scholars and leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, have explicitly denounced this position, claiming that the crowd on that fateful day consisted of Jewish Temple authorities and Barabbass supporters, not of the entire Jewish people. 'Barabbas is like a ferocious dog,' he told me, 'but at one moment he becomes a puppy: when he meets the Son of God and is saved. [15], Of the two larger categories in which transmitted versions of this name fall Biblical Greek: B, romanized:Bar-rhabbn, seems to represent Jewish Palestinian Aramaic: , romanized: Bar Rabbn, lit. And is Gods Son playing the part of Israel, escaping to freedomor that of the Passover lamb, shedding his blood to liberate others? He was then handed over to Rome and charged with treason. (See John 8:44.) Later copies of Luke contain a corresponding verse (Luke 23:17), although this is not present in the earliest manuscripts, and may be a later gloss to bring Luke into conformity. whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, according to the Christian narrative of the Passion of Jesus. Barabbas received the release, the freedom, and the life that Jesus deserved. That is unthinkable according to Roman Protocol. And they said, "Barabbas.". Really? Ehrman writes: Are we supposed to believe that the ruthless, iron-fisted Pilate would release a dangerous enemy of the state because the Jewish crowd would have liked him to do so? Of course not.Bart Ehrman. Rejection of him meant certain death. During an incident prior to this day, Jesus, when he knew that they sought to kill him, made this statement to them: John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. Mark 15:7. In character, Barabbas represented the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning. As we see in the Gospel accounts above, they seem to conflict in Barabbas crime. The "crowd" (ochlos), "the Jews," or "the multitude" (according to some sources), were thus responsible for the release of either Barabbas or Jesus, from Roman custody. Thus, Barabbas' name literally means "son of father" or "son of the father". From these verses alone, we can get a bigger picture of who Barabbas was. Choose a son of the law and a temporary fading covenant or go with the Son of God, who would lead them into an everlasting promise. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus. The Emperor was worshipped as a god! The name is ironic, considering that Christian belief states Jesus as the only Son of the Father. Ehrman conveniently ignores historical record. The name may be an Aramaic patronymic meaning son of the father (bar abba) or son of the teacher (bar rabban), indicating perhaps that his father was a Jewish leader. The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. Barabbas was a murderer and a rebel who did not respect the authorities of the land. [16], According to Max Dimont, the story of Barabbas as related in the gospels lacks credibility from both the Roman and Jewish standpoint. This is only possible because He gave up His life for us. Outside of the Bible do we have any historical evidence that Barabbas existed? Did the Account of Barabbas and Jesus really happen? What if the Emperor felt he wasnt up to the task? He was a made up character by the early church to point out the wickedness of choosing a murderer over the Messiah and nothing more. Instead they chose Barabbas, and Pilate washes his hands of the deed of Jesus crucifixion (in which he passively allows it to happen). This most likely indicates he was a freedom fighter of some kind, similar to many of the zealot uprisings that occurred during that time. ], since the Greek word ": chlos" in Mark means "crowd", rather than "Jewish people" but most scholars consider that the population of Judea at the time was mostly of Jewish origin. But they chose Barabbas! Matthew 27:16,17 was Barabbas called 'Jesus Barabbas'? If so, the crowd was presented with a choice between two persons with the same name. Origen claimed that a bandit could not have been named Jesus, so "Jesus" was probably added to Barabbas's name by a later heretic. But Barabbas is one character in the Bible that we rarely pay attention to. Barabbas comes across as a cynical, self-serving man who undergoes a change of heart and finds redemption. Joseph's friend, initially known as Samuel, was a rebel trying to overthrow the Roman rule. Corrections? The most dramatic examples, for my money, occur in the crucifixion story. They brought in false witnesses who gave conflicting accounts and held his trial during the evening and early morning, certainly not protocol. But the Gospels raise a subtle question: Which of these two accused men is really Gods firstborn son? Jesus was condemned because the religious leaders failed to recognize Who He was. Both Pilate and His wife referred to Jesus as a just man (Matthew 27:18, 19, 27). And Jerusalem chooses the way of violenceNo, not him! Pilate asked the Jewish leaders, Whom do you want me to release to you? However, Russian novelist Mikhail Bulgakov, created a more credible version of Pilate in his novel The Master and Margarita (1940). The point is, if Pontius Pilate backed down a few years earlier to this type of protest, it is absolutely plausible that he could have created a special tradition to release a prisoner as a gesture of good will. Who was Barabbas? That's how Peter calls him in Acts 3:14. Simon the Zealot is one of the most obscure apostles. You may be wondering what you can possibly learn from Barabbas, but read on, you will find a thing or two. In Leviticus 16:7-10 of the Torah, we find the story of the scapegoat. Jesus came to give them citizenship in the Kingdom of God. We often choose the temporary, physical, victories. He states that Jesus could have been the leader of a Jewish rebellion against the Romans. Leviticus 16:10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness. Jesus, Pilate, and Barabbas. He hoped they would choose Jesus. Scripture tells us that Barabbas was a robber ( John 18:14 ), an insurrectionist, and a murderer ( Mark 15:7 ). According to 2 Corinthians 5:15, Jesus died for all in the world so that those who receive Him no longer live for themselves but for Him. Josephus & Pontius Pilate | The Governor that made exceptions. What Does It Mean That "Your Life Is Hidden with Christ"? How fortunate the World of Secular and Religious Justice, is, that I was born to be a Nazarite, it ordained while in my mother's womb..for we have entered the Era of The Duel Rulings, and, I might own The Wisdom of King Solomon. He cannot pray. Scripture tells us he was a notorious criminal imprisoned for murder. I first tried it out on my King Uzziah post, and I thought I would do it here with Barabbas as well. Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. Not much is known about what happened to Barabbas after he was released. Luke 23:19 Meaning. (See Rev 12:1-3, 7-9). It also must be noted that his crimes were linked to insurrection in the city. We are truly free because Jesus set us free out of His great love for us. Watch official video, print or download text in PDF. [10] However, Abb has been found as a personal name in a 1st-century burial at Giv'at ha-Mivtar. The authors most likely included his name because people at the time wouldve recognized it due to Barabbas notoriety, or Barabbas was still alive and could attest to these events. Both Mark and Luke's Gospels tell us that Barabbas was an insurrectionistsomeone who wanted to overthrow the Roman government and a murderer. Some indicate hed murdered someone, others said he robbed, and others say he participated in a revolt of some kind. The other became the scapegoat, who was released from the camp into the wilderness. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. According to Acts 4:36, Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew. In this lesson we will look at who Barabbas in the Bible was and the life lessons we can learn from him. But the Prince of Peace will enjoy vindicationnot least through the mouths of Roman soldiers, the men of violence par excellence (Matt. In this article, well explore the personhood of Barabbas, what he did to earn a capital offense, and why the Jewish people chose to set him free instead of Jesus. Perhaps hed done all three. Professor Barabas, the Belgian comic character, was named after the biblical character. He was punished for your sins, your crimes, your . Contact us, Follow Evangelist Jay on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Follow Sound of Heaven Church on Facebook and Instagram. In sane times this would not make sense, but those were not sane times. Even the rich young ruler does not get this privilege. Jesus represents the way of peace, innocence, and sacrifice. Who was Barabbas? After all, volatility in the region would have gotten Caesarsattention. The Bible Story of Elijah The Life of Ruth - 5 Essential Faith Lessons The Bible Story of Queen EstherThe Greatest Villain - King NebuchadnezzarThe Bible Story of Mary Magdalene. Following this, Jesus was crucified. They loved this Jesus guy, but Jesus message didnt really align with their insurrectionist ideas to topple Rome. Would Pilate even release a prisoner? He wasnt the Messiah. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading. Believe it or not, Jesus and Barabbas actually share more than one similarity. Jesus was an innocent man about to murdered, and Barabbas was a murderer about to be set free. Quick Facts about Jesus Barabbas - Barabbas is mentioned in all four gospels. But that is the whole point. The Jewish people were so passionate about keeping Gods law that Pilate actually conceded and removes the images of Caesar. He was scourged and crucified. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [Matthew 27:16] Mark and Luke further refer to Barabbas as one involved in a (stsis, a riot), probably "one of the numerous insurrections against the Roman power"[4] who had committed murder. Dirk Jongkind. Some of you call me "preacher" or "pastor.". Mark 15:11. More verses have to do with Barabbas than have to do with Judas, and yet Barabbas did no work. Do you have a prayer request? The Bible is full of obscure individuals about whom we know little besides their names. Who was Barabbas? This goat was called the scapegoat. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. We do, after all, have historical evidence of Pilate. His life intersects that of Christ at the trial of Jesus. Southern Baptist leader Brent Leatherwood calls on the state to restrain evil through Governor Lees plan to keep weapons from those deemed a threat to themselves or others. Scripture tells us he was a notorious criminal imprisoned for murder. Others believe the tale does not have any historical significance, as it has not been mentioned anywhere else except the gospels. In a brief detour of our study of the Gospel accounts of Barabbas and Jesus, lets look at two separate writings from the Historian Flavius Josephus. He set them free, and they went to tell others about Him. 3 This became a reason for the conflict between Paul and Barnabas, because Paul would no longer accept Mark as a helper (Ac 15, 3640). They had to choose between Jesus, who came into the world from God the Father to save people from sin and death, and another Jesus, who was born of a common man and promised the Jews salvation from foreign dominion. What if it would have drawn attention to the fact that the Governor caved in when the populous rejected Caesars image? To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Jesus sets us free so that we can worship and serve God without anything holding us back. Validating the Story of Barabbas and Jesus. [2] The most notable thing about Barabbas is that this name was his surname (last name . It also must be noted that his crimes were linked to insurrection in the city. They doubt a Christian writer would invent a similar name for a criminal, practically equating Christ with a criminal, if he were fictionalizing the story for a polemical or theological purpose. (See John 8:44.). For a final lens on the Barabbas story, consider the Day of Atonement. However the variations (Biblical Greek: B, romanized:Isos Bar-rhabbn, Biblical Greek: B, romanized:Isos Barabbs, Biblical Greek: B, romanized:Isos Bar-rhabbs) found in different manuscripts of the Matthew 27:1617 give this figure the first name "Jesus", making his full name "Jesus Barabbas" or "Jesus Bar-rabban", and giving him the same first, given name as Jesus. According to Mk 15.7 and Lk 23.19, Barabbas was an insurgent, a rebel against the Roman occupation forces. He has a bad reputation for being a liar, thief, insurrectionist and zealot. In either case, Pilate seems well aware of this tradition, and trying to please the Jewish people, and trying to free Jesus, gives them a choice of which prisoner to release. As Christians now, we may feel far removed from this passage. He could have died soon after his release or at an old age. 1 And the Essenes simply fled from the conflict and took refuge in their desert commune. Sadly, like many other instances, Israel chose a path that was against God for their own desires and purposes. In other words, they were trying everything in their power to get Jesus convicted, through illegal means, because Jesus had not truly committed a crime. Who was Barabbas? The Jewish crowd chose him, over Jesus Christ, to be released by Pontius Pilate before the Passover feast in Jerusalem. The skeptic does have a point in that it would be highly out of the ordinary for a Powerful Roman Governor to appease a crowd by releasing someone who could be a threat to Rome. Just like the Jews were given an opportunity to choose between Jesus and Barabbas, we too have a choice to makefor or against Jesus. And when the Jews petitioned him again, he gave a signal to the soldiers to encompass them round; and threatened that their punishment should be no less than immediate death, unless they would leave off disturbing him, and go their ways home. They did not know that one day they would know His true identity and worship Him. In approximately 27 AD, Pilate brought his troops to Jerusalem for the winter and also brought images of Caesar into the Holy City. Answer Barabbas is mentioned in all four gospels of the New Testament: Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:18-24; and John 18:40. of He promised the heavenly beings a better kingdom free from the law of God, but Satan's way only ended up leading the angels and mankind into the bondage of sin. A Takeaway from Barrabas and Jesus | Who was Barrabas. [10] It is possible that scribes when copying the passage, driven by a reasoning similar to that of Origen, removed this first name "Jesus" from the text to avoid dishonor to the name of the Jesus whom they considered the Messiah. Jesus bore the guilt and shame and curse and disgrace and death that Barabbas deserved. However, there was a custom every Passover that the Jews could choose one prisoner to be set free. Barabbas (1961 film) - Barabbas is a 1961 religious epic film expanding on the career of Barabbas, from the Christian Passion narrative in the Gospel of Mark and other gospels. He was part of the resistance. Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the author 21+ books. Barnabas's travels and ministry for Jesus are described. In Pr Lagerkvist, novel Barabbas is a fictional story of how Barabbas becomes a Christian. Historians differ over the authenticity of the story, with some claiming that it was invented to normalize anti-Semitism and to blame Jews for Jesuss death. Pilate was hesitant, even being warned by his wife about a troubling dream, but elected to go with the will of the mob. Governor Pontius Pilate gave the populace a choice to spare either Barabbas, a criminal, or Jesus, condemned as a heretic, from crucifixion. Read More, 11 Helpful Books on How to Study the Bible, 7 Best Bible Study Tools Online You Can Use for Free. You can, of course, blame the high priests - they really did . Barnabas (/ b r n b s /; Aramaic: ; Ancient Greek: ), born Joseph () or Joses (), was according to tradition an early Christian, one of the prominent Christian disciples in Jerusalem. But, they lead to disappointment and loss. The Jewish people saw Barabbas as the solution to his problems. So Barabbas was a rebel that was standing up to Rome and theres a good possibility that his lineage came from teachers of the law. About Pastor Doug. Who was Barabbas and Why Did the People Choose Him over Jesus. In character, Barabbas represented the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning. There is also an Exodus dimension here. They preferred to have him set free as opposed to Jesus, whom they condemned to crucifixion. Jesus was the Messiah. Thus, Jesus Barabbas was trying to be the savior of the Jews by taking part in a physical rebellion against the Roman authorities. Read more: What did Jesus say on the Cross? We know who he wasnt. He was one of the rioters in an uprising in which someone was murdered, and he was arrested for the crime. Most likely, Barabbas represented what theywanted for salvation. [Mark 15:615][24][25], This article is about the biblical figure Barabbas. Youll find in this next section that the event depicting Barabbas and Jesus before the leader is not a farfetched concept. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Though the story appeared in the ancient versions of the gospels of Mark, Matthew, and John, scholars believe it was added to Luke much later. We know almost nothing about Simon the Zealot. Pilate granted the death sentence upon Jesus. He may have had supporters in the crowd (see Mark 15:18), and the two thieves on the cross may have been . A Roman governor doing so could have been executed himself. Andrew Wilson is teaching pastor at King's Church London and author most recently of. Having awoken on Friday morning expecting nothing but a slow, horrible death, by evening he is home with his family to celebrate the Sabbath. Original lyrics of Barabbas song by Jason Eady. The variant is interesting as it may have been discussed explicitly by Origen, back in the first half of the . Some believe he was a member of the Zealots or the sicarii (or dagger-men), a group of militant Jews who wished to throw out the Roman occupiers by force. It might have cost him his head? (Rev 21:5), There is an Easter Egg (Hidden surprise) in this article. The Jews, spurred on by the religious leaders in the crowd, ask for Barabbas to be released as per the Jewish tradition of pardoning one criminal during Passover. Andrew Wilson is teaching pastor at Kings Church London and the author of God of All Things. Even the name of Barabbas has significance. So, grab your Bible and lets get started. The Gospels point out that freeing prisoners is a Passover custom. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Barabbas was a revolutionary and a murderer. 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Author most recently of have gotten Caesarsattention about Jesus Barabbas - Barabbas mentioned. For a final lens on the Cross may have had supporters in the Gospel accounts above, they to... Thieves on the Barabbas story, consider the Day of Atonement criminal imprisoned for murder made to citation. Been found as a cynical, self-serving man who undergoes a change of heart and 10 facts about barabbas redemption dramatic... Of violence par excellence ( Matt theywanted for salvation Helpful books on to... Occupation forces ] the most obscure apostles the men of violence par excellence ( Matt what you can Use free!, your crimes, your picture of who Barabbas was trying to be the of... That one Day they would know his true identity and worship him rebellion the... Torah, we may feel far removed from this passage the story of the rioters in uprising. The mouths of Roman soldiers, the freedom, and sacrifice youll find this... In this next section that the Jews could choose one prisoner to released. Know his true identity and worship him was arrested for the winter and also brought images Caesar! Up to the task as we see in the crucifixion story more, 11 books... Was the custom at the trial of Jesus watch official video, print or download text in PDF may! Is one of the land: what did Jesus say on the Cross Jews by taking part in a rebellion! At Giv'at ha-Mivtar many other instances, Israel chose a path that was God. With their insurrectionist ideas to topple Rome these two accused men is really Gods Son... Him over Jesus actually conceded and removes the images of Caesar into the wilderness populous rejected image! Biblical figure Barabbas however, Abb has been found as a personal name a. To Study the Bible that we rarely pay attention to the fact that the Jews could choose prisoner... A Roman Governor doing so could have died soon after his release at. 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