Verses 21-23, the fourth in the series of five scenes, narrates the demands by the crowd: “Free Barabbas and put Jesus to death!”

As previously noted, Matthew likes to emphasize the position which Pilate held, and so he frequently refers to him as governor throughout this chapter.

Care should be taken that them and they are understood to be the crowd.

Which of the two do you want me to release for you? is found in Matthew but not in the Marcan parallel. The point of reference is the custom mentioned in verse 15.

The reply of the crowd (“Barabbas”) is also found only in Matthew. Here again Matthew utilizes direct discourse as a means of allowing Jesus’ opponents to condemn themselves.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .