(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
We have here the blessed Jesus run down by the mob, and hurried to the cross in the storm of a popular noise and tumult, raised by the malice and artifice of the chief priests, as agents for the prince of the power of the air. I. Pilate solemnly protests that he believes he has done nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
Commenting on Luke 23:13-25
Who, for a certain sedition made in the city,.... Of Jerusalem: he had made an insurrection in it, in opposition to the government, in order to have thrown off the yoke, and to have asserted and maintained their liberties, as a free people; or rather to have seized and plundered the properties of other people, since he is represented elsewhere as a robber: and for...