(By : Dessy Ariadna – Stand To JESUS Writing Team)
The next accusation from outsiders who do not know God is Barabbas who was crucified in place of JESUS. This accusation is also untrue and very inconsequential. The following is evidence that Barabbas was not crucified in place of JESUS Christ.
1. The Jews asked for Barabbas to be released and JESUS to be crucified
Matthew 27:16-22 (IMB) And at that time they had a famous prisoner named Barabbas. Therefore, when they were gathered together Pilate said to them, “Who do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or JESUS who is called the Messiah? ” For he knew that they had betrayed him out of envy. And while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him to say, “You have nothing to do with the Righteous One, for I am suffering greatly today because of a dream about Him. ” But the chief priests and the elders incited the crowd so that they asked for Barabbas and killed Jesus. So the governor answered and said to them, “ Which of these two do you want me to release for you? ” And they said, “ Barabbas! ” Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do about Jesus who is called the Messiah? ” They all said to him, “Crucify Him! “
2. The Jews urged Pilate to release Barabbas and crucify JESUS
Matthew 27:23-26 (IMB) The governor said, “What evil has He done? ” But they continued to shout louder and louder, crying out, “Crucify Him! ” When Pilate saw that this did not accomplish anything, but rather created chaos, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this Righteous Man, you yourselves will bear it! ” All the people answered and said, “His blood is on us and on our children! ” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. After whipping JESUS he handed Him over to be crucified.
3. Barabbas was released and JESUS Christ was crucified
Matthew 27:26 (IMB) So Pilate released Barabbas to them. After whipping JESUS he handed Him over to be crucified.
Luke 23:18-25 (IMB) But they shouted together, “Away with this man and release Barabbas for us! ” Barabbas was a man who was imprisoned in connection with several rebellions that occurred within the city and for murder. Once again Pilate spoke to them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify Him! ” Then a third time Pilate spoke to them, “What evil has this Man done? I found no fault in Him worthy of the death penalty. So after whipping Him, I will let Him go. ” But with a loud voice, they continued to press and ask that He be crucified , and they were victorious because of their voice and the voice of the loud chief priests. Finally, Pilate decided that their demands would be granted. He released Barabbas who had been put in prison for rebellion and murder, as they demanded, then he handed Jesus over to them to treat as they pleased.
4. The entire population of Jerusalem, the Roman army and Pontius Pilate were eyewitnesses to Barabbas being released
Mark 15:11-15 (IMB) But the chief priests incited the crowd, so that Pilate released Barabbas to them. Then Pilate said to them again, “So what do you want me to do with this one whom you call King of the Jews? “ They shouted again, “Crucify Him! ” Pilate said to them, “What evil has He done? ” However, they shouted even louder, “Crucify Him! Pilate , intending to do what would satisfy the people, released Barabbas to them. After whipping Jesus, he handed Him over to be crucified.
The Bible says that the testimony of two or three witnesses is valid and the witnesses who saw Barabbas released were the entire population of Jerusalem, the Roman soldiers and Pontius Pilate himself. So the statements of people out there who say that Barabbas was crucified in place of JESUS are completely invalid, because they were not eyewitnesses and did not see the event directly, in fact there were no direct eyewitnesses who could strengthen their argument.
Deuteronomy 19:15 (IMB) One witness alone cannot accuse someone regarding any matter or any sin, namely the sins he may have committed. Based on the testimony of two or three witnesses, the case can be established.
Matthew 18:16 (IMB) But if he does not listen, take with you one or two more people, so that on the words of two or three witnesses, every case can be confirmed.
1 Timothy 5:19 (IMB) Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.
2 Corinthians 13:1 (IMB) This is the third time I have come to you. Through testimony from the mouths of two or three people, every case is declared valid.
Hebrews 10:28 (IMB) People who reject the law of Moses, on the testimony of two or three witnesses, will be put to death without mercy.
