5th Roman governor of Judea, A.D.26-37.

Mentioned in all 4 Gospels; 4 times outside Gospels: 3 in Acts and once in I Ti.6:13.

Officially resided at Caeserea, journeying to Jerusalem at major gatherings, or Feast Days.

Wife, Procula, woman of good counsel, and according to tradition, later became a Christian.

A cruel and merciless ruler. Described by Agrippa I in a letter cited by Philo (early historian) as being cold-blooded, merciless, insulting, given to terrible acts of violence, corrupt, and responsible for executing untried and uncondemned prisoners.

Accused by Samaritans of violence against them, is recalled by Emperor Tiberius, exiled by Caligula to Vienna of Gaul in the south of France, where tradition has him committing suicide in A.D.41.

From Praeter, meaning, camp of the General; later, palace of the ruler; and finally, camp of the guards.

Referred to in the N.T. as:

In our context, it could mean either:

Bar-abbas. Bar = son. Abbas = father. Son of father, therefore, not a formal name.

Mentioned only by name in the Gospels. His real name is unknown, and nothing is known extra-Biblically.

An insurrectionist, murderer, and robber (Jn.18:40).

It was most likely his cross upon which Jesus was crucified, and among two of his criminal band.

The hour is early the morning of the preparation day for the feast Sabbath of the Passover week. The previous night's events of the Gethsemane Prayer occurring between 9 p.m. and midnight; Jesus' arrest, 12 - 3 a.m.; His trial between 3 & 6 a.m.; and now before Pilate between 6 & 9 a.m. on Friday. Time is ticking ever closer to Jesus' final and fateful hour. Judas has already done his deed, Peter his denial, and both have gone off for their own individual examination of their soul's momentary surrender to Satan's sway. Judas' remorse will lead him to his own demise, of no further benefit to Christ's Kingdom, except as a lesson to all who will follow to surrender self and will totally to the Saviour. Peter's self-imposed solitude will humble him so as to be prepared to be forever changed at his next encounter with the Master. Following the night of his own betrayal, he will live to see the light and hope of a brighter day, and in his first witness on Pentecost, will lead 3,000+ souls to Christ. Never again to deny his Lord, his lips will forever praise and no longer curse his Friend!

Having been arraigned before Annas in a preliminary investigation as to His doctrine and disciples, Jesus was carried to Caiaphas, the High Priest, and the Sanhedrin. Already having determined He should die for the nation, He is at last officially and falsely condemned and sent to Pilate for civil sanction of His crucifixion. (18:13-23)

It is of noteworthy importance that nowhere is it said that this Council informed Pilate of their previous night's illegal meeting and condemnation of Jesus before bringing Him without legitimate charge. But Pilate already knows of their long-standing envy.

It is interesting to see the Sanhedrin's distaste for an innocent man, while fondly securing the release of one previously arrested and convicted on indisputable evidence of sedition. One of the greatest ironies and hypocrisies ever recorded of such self-righteous ones!

The Synoptics should be read here for further details of these infamous events John does not include. John's presentation of Jesus before Pilate will hinge on 4 distinct inquiries by Pilate, with all 4 unequivocally revealing Christ's innocence: (Lk.23:1-25)

Since we already know Jesus was guilty of no crime, with no witness brought against Him, unlike Barabbas, we will concern ourselves with the remaining three.