Verses 11-26
Matthew 27:11-Ezekiel : . Jesus before Pilate ( Mark 15:1-Ezra : *, Luke 23:1-Leviticus :; Luke 23:18-Daniel :).— Mt. follows Mk. closely, but has an additional source of information on which he draws for Pilate’ s wife’ s dream and Pilate’ s handwashing. This source may also be the origin of the reading “ Jesus Barabbas” ( Matthew 27:16, Syr. Sin. and Origen), a reading which gives point to Pilate’ s question in Matthew 27:17 (Jesus Barabbas or Jesus “ Messiah” ?). Such a name would be quite natural. In place of Mk.’ s information about Barabbas, Mt. simply says he was “ a notable prisoner” ; he also makes Pilate anticipate the demand for a release.— Jesus who is called Christ ( Matthew 27:17; Matthew 27:22) is a phrase which would be more natural on the lips of an early Christian than on Pilate’ s. The whole narrative intensifies the guilt of the Jews; there is little doubt that Matthew 27:25 has been largely responsible for the malignity with which “ Christian” communities and individuals long pursued Jews.
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