Matthew 27:16
French (BDS) 2015 (La Bible du Semeur 2015)
Or, à ce moment-là, il y avait sous les verrous, un prisonnier célèbre nommé Barabbas.
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells us about a man named Barabbas who was a well-known prisoner at the time. Matthew is the author, and he mentions this to set up the story of Jesus' trial. The key message here is introducing someone who will play a significant role in what follows.
Explained for Children
Imagine there's a person everyone knows because they've done some bad things, like a kid in school who always gets caught bullying others. This verse introduces Barabbas, who was like that but for grown-ups, and he's important to the story coming up about Jesus.
Historical Background
Matthew wrote this Gospel around 80-90 AD, aimed at Jewish readers familiar with their traditions. The cultural setting is one of Roman occupation where tensions between Jews and Romans were high, making Barabbas a notable figure.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, imagine you're part of a jury choosing who to free from prison: a well-known criminal or an innocent person accused wrongly. This scenario reflects the tough choices people face when public opinion can overshadow justice.
Topics
justiceforgivenessinnocence vs guiltpublic opiniontrial and judgmentsalvation
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Barabbas according to this verse?
Barabbas was a notorious prisoner known for his crimes. He becomes significant because he is part of the crowd's choice during Jesus' trial.
Why does Matthew mention Barabbas in this context?
Matthew mentions Barabbas to highlight the contrast between an innocent man (Jesus) and a guilty one (Barabbas), setting up the story where the crowd chooses to release Barabbas instead of Jesus.
What can we learn from the mention of Barabbas?
We can learn about the power of public opinion in influencing decisions, and how it sometimes leads people to choose the wrong path, as seen when the crowd preferred a criminal over an innocent man.
How does this verse connect with the themes of justice and forgiveness?
This verse shows the complexity of human judgment versus divine justice. It also sets up the theme of forgiveness through Jesus' innocent sacrifice, contrasting sharply with Barabbas' criminal status.