Matthew 27:22-23

[22] Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. [23] And said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

What is the context of Matthew 27:22-23?

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-23 true)
Taking the Place of Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26 true)
Jesus or Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26 true)
Jesus is Sentenced to Death (Matthew 27:15-26 true)
Pilate Releases Barabbas (Matthew 27:15-26 true)
Jesus Before Pilate .( L .) (Matthew 27:11-26 true)
Jesus before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26 true)
Jesus’ Trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26 true)

What does Matthew 27:22-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Pilate tried to reverse his tactical error by asking more questions, but mob sentiment against him and his choice became stronger with each question he asked the crowd. First, Pilate offered a milder sentence for Jesus, but the crowd would have none of it ( Matthew 27:22). Second, he attested Jesus" innocence, but the crowd"s original answer had become a mob chant that the governor could not change or silence.

"One can almost picture this scene, somewhat like a football stadium in which the crowd shouts "Defense!" Their cheer was "Crucify, crucify!"" ^[1]

The Jews wanted Pilate to crucify Jesus rather then to punish Him another way because, for the Jews, a person hanging on a tree was a demonstration that he was under God"s curse ( Deuteronomy 21:23).