15:5-7
The natural reaction when accused of something, especially when falsely accused, is to respond denying the accusations. Jesus’ lack of response is in line with Is 53:7. Pilate could not understand Jesus’ lack of response. It was the custom for the governor at this time of year to release one prisoner. The governor was not obliged to do so by law, but would often do this to help maintain peaceful relations with the people. Note that this implies that prisoners were not all normal criminals, but some were “political prisoners”. The primary aim of a governor was to maintain peace, the worst thing that could happen is that there were riots, as this would make the governor look very bad in the eyes of Rome.
15:8-11
So the crowd came up and asked Pilate to do what he normally did, ie release a prisoner. Pilate saw this as an opportunity to get out of the bind that he was on. He knew full well that there was no genuine case against Jesus, if the people demanded Jesus was released, then he could let Jesus go and so be rid of the problem. The religious leaders would not be able to object. But the chief priests had stirred up the crowd, inciting them to ask for Barabbas released instead. Barabbas had been thrown into prison for inciting an insurrection (Luke 23:19).
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