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15 Facts About Barabbas

The story of Jesus, one of the most iconic figures in human history, is woven with countless narratives of encounters with individuals who crossed his path during his earthly journey. Amidst these tales, one character stands out as a paradoxical figure—Barabbas.

A mere criminal in the eyes of the law, Barabbas unwittingly etched his name into the annals of Christianity, becoming an unexpected protagonist in the unfolding drama of Christ’s crucifixion. In a pivotal moment that would reverberate through the ages, Pontius Pilate presented the crowds with a choice, offering to release either Jesus or Barabbas.

The crowd’s fateful decision transformed this criminal into an emblematic symbol, a figure whose story embodies the complex interplay of humanity’s choices, redemption, and the profound mysteries of divine providence.

This article will delve into the tale of Barabbas and unveil some facts about the man whose survival directly spelled doom for Christ.

1. The Name Barabbas Means ‘Son of the Father’

Give us Barabbas, Wikimedia Commons

The name Barabbas is an Aramaic name that means “son of the father.” ‘Bar’ means ‘son of’, and ‘Abbas’ means ‘the father’.

This has relevance to some biblical scholars who point out the parallels between Barabbas, a felon, and Jesus Christ, who is sometimes referred to as the “Son of the Father.”

It is a common name in the region of Judea, where Jesus lived and died. The name Barabbas has come to symbolize the choice between these two things, and it is a reminder that we all have to make choices about what is most important to us.

The name Barabbas is also significant because it is a reminder of the human capacity for violence and hatred. Barabbas was a criminal, and he had committed acts of violence against the Roman authorities.

However, he was also a popular figure among the people, and many of them believed that he was a hero. This shows that even the most violent and hateful people can be seen as heroes by some people.

2. Barrabas Was A Known Insurrectionist

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Barabbas was a notorious insurrectionist who was arrested for participating in a rebellion against the Roman Empire. He was a popular figure among the people, and many saw him as a hero.

However, the Roman authorities saw him as a threat, and he was sentenced to death. In addition to being an insurrectionist, Barabbas was also accused of murder.

The Gospels do not provide any details about the murder, but it is likely that it was committed during the rebellion. Barabbas was also accused of theft, but it is unclear whether he was actually guilty of this crime.

3. The Crowd Pardoned Barrabas and He Was Released in Place Of Jesus

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Intoxicated by the fervor of the Passover festival, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, posed a fateful question to the crowd. Two prisoners stood before them: Jesus of Nazareth, a gentle teacher and healer, and Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist and murderer.

The choice was agonizingly stark—whom to set free? In an astonishing twist of fate, the crowd, driven by political intrigue and the swirling winds of destiny, clamored for the release of Barabbas.

Thus, an innocent teacher, bearing the weight of humanity’s sins, was led to the crucifixion while the guilty Barabbas, seemingly an unlikely recipient of mercy, walked away unshackled.

4. Barabbas’ Release Was A Passover Custom And Not Random

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The release of a prisoner at Passover was a custom known as the Paschal Pardon. Far from being a random choice, it was a meticulously calculated move, intricately woven into the fabric of Passover tradition.

Several other prisoners were previously pardoned in a similar fashion but the Barabbas-Jesus event stands out as one of the most memorable. The custom of offering clemency to a prisoner during Passover was a gesture of goodwill intended to pacify the Jewish crowd, reminding them of their deliverance from bondage in Egypt.

The choice was always deliberately placed before the people who pardoned one of the select prisoners.

5. Barabbas’ Fate After His Release Is A Mystery

The fate of Barabbas after his release is a mystery. The Bible does not tell us what happened to him, and there are no historical records that provide any clues.

The mystery of Barabbas’ fate has led to speculation and conjecture. Some people believe that he was eventually executed by the Romans. They point to the fact that he was a convicted insurrectionist and that the Romans were known to execute rebels.

Others believe that Barabbas escaped and lived out the rest of his life in peace. They point to the fact that he was a popular figure among the people and that he may have been able to flee from the authorities.

There are a few reasons why Barabbas’ fate is unknown. First, the Bible does not give us much information about him. He is only mentioned briefly in the Gospels, and we do not know much about his background or his life before he was arrested.

Second, the historical records of the time are incomplete. There are few records of what happened to people who were released from prison, so it is possible that Barabbas’ fate was simply not recorded.

6. He Is Mentioned In All Four Gospels

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Barabbas’ name resonates through the pages of all four Gospels, leaving an indelible mark on the story of Jesus. Mentioned in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, his name reverberates with the weight of choice and destiny.

Barabbas, while he was known as a notorious criminal, became an unwitting symbol of humanity’s redemption. However, all four gospels offer conflicting recounts with regard to Barabbas.

In Matthew 27:16-26, Barabbas is described as a “notorious prisoner” who had been arrested for “insurrection in the city, and for murder.” In Mark 15:6-15, Barabbas is described as “a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection started in the city, and for murder.”

In Luke 23:18-25, Barabbas is described as “a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder, along with the insurrectionists.” In John 18:40, Barabbas is simply described as “a robber.”

However, despite the different details, each of the gospels agrees that Barabbas was a notorious criminal who was released instead of Jesus.

7. The Historical Authenticity of Barabbas Is Debated

The historical authenticity of Barabbas is debated by scholars. Some believe that he was a real person who was released by Pontius Pilate instead of Jesus Christ.

Others believe that he is a fictional character who was created by the gospel writers to illustrate the contrast between Jesus and a common criminal.

There is no definitive evidence to prove or disprove the existence of Barabbas. The only mention of him is in the four gospels, which were written decades after Jesus’ death.

The gospels are not considered to be historical documents, and they may have been influenced by Christian tradition.

The historical authenticity of Barabbas is likely to remain a matter of debate. There is no definitive evidence to prove or disprove his existence.

However, the story of Barabbas continues to be a fascinating and thought-provoking one. It raises questions about the nature of justice, freedom, and redemption. It also challenges us to think about the role of violence in society.

8. The Story Of Barabbas Is Used For Theological Discussions And Interpretations

The story of Barabbas is a complex and multi-layered one that has been interpreted in many different ways by theologians and scholars.

One of the most common interpretations of the story is that it is a parable about the choice between freedom and salvation. Barabbas represents the choice of freedom, while Jesus represents the choice of salvation.

The crowd’s decision to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus is seen as a rejection of salvation and a choice for temporary freedom.

Another interpretation of the story sees it as a reflection of the political and religious tensions of the time. Barabbas is seen as a symbol of the Jewish people’s struggle for freedom from Roman occupation, while Jesus is seen as a threat to the status quo.

The crowd’s decision to release Barabbas is seen as a way of expressing their anger and frustration with the Roman authorities.

Still, another interpretation sees the story as a cautionary tale about the dangers of mob mentality. The crowd’s decision to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus is seen as an example of how people can be easily swayed by emotions and manipulated by those in power.

9. The Barabbas Effect’ is Based on Barabbas’ Story

The Barabbas Effect is a term used to describe the phenomenon of people choosing to release a criminal or rebel, rather than a more innocent or righteous person. The term, as the name suggests, is derived from the story of Barabbas.

In the context of The Barabbas Effect, the term is used to describe the tendency of people to choose the path of least resistance, even if it means sacrificing something important. For example, people might choose to release a criminal who is popular with the crowd, even if they know that he is guilty.

Another example is they might choose to support a political candidate who is promising to make their lives easier, even if they know that he is not the best person for the job.

The Barabbas Effect is a reminder that we all have the capacity to make choices that are not in our best interests. It is also a reminder that we should be careful about the choices we make because they can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others.

10. There Are Several Fiction Stories Based on Barabbas’ Story

, public domain, Wikimedia Commons

The story of Barabbas has been told and retold in many different forms, including plays, novels, and films. One of the most famous fictional stories about Barabbas is the 1953 film Barabbas, starring Anthony Quinn.

In the film, Barabbas is a violent and rebellious man who is released from prison by Pontius Pilate. Pilate eventually comes to regret his choices and seeks redemption.

Another fictional story about Barabbas is the 1962 novel I Was Called Barabbas by M.D. House. In the novel, Barabbas is a complex and sympathetic character who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is torn between his violent past and his desire for redemption.

These are just two examples of the many fictional stories that have been told about Barabbas. These stories explore the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the nature of good and evil.

They continue to resonate with readers today because they raise questions about the human condition that are still relevant. The stories also offer various plausible insights into Barabbas’ past and future.

11. The Story Is Depicted By Several Religious Art

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The story of Barabbas, the prisoner who was released instead of Jesus Christ, has been depicted in various forms of religious art, including paintings and sculptures.

One of the earliest known depictions of Barabbas is in a 6th-century mosaic in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. In this mosaic, Barabbas is shown as a bearded man with a wild look in his eyes.

He is standing next to Jesus, who is being led away to be crucified. Another famous depiction of Barabbas is in a painting by Rembrandt called “Christ Released to the People” (1634).

In this painting, Barabbas is shown as a young man with a gentle expression on his face. He is standing in front of Jesus, who is being led away by the Roman soldiers.

Barabbas has also been depicted in sculptures. One notable example is a sculpture by Michelangelo called “Pietà Rondanini” (1564).

In this sculpture, Barabbas is shown as a kneeling figure at the foot of the cross. He is looking up at Jesus with a sorrowful expression on his face.

12. There Are Several Possible Reasons As To Why The Crowd Chose Barabbas over Jesus

Barabbas was a popular figure among the people. He was a known insurrectionist who had been arrested for participating in a rebellion against the Roman Empire. This made him a hero to many people who were tired of Roman oppression.

Jesus was seen as a threat by the Roman authorities. He was accused of blasphemy and inciting rebellion. This made him a dangerous figure in the eyes of the Romans, who were eager to crush any dissent.

The crowd was likely influenced by the chief priests and elders. These religious leaders were opposed to Jesus and wanted him to be executed. They may have pressured the crowd to choose Barabbas.

The crowd was fickle and easily swayed. They were more interested in a popular figure like Barabbas than in a religious figure like Jesus.

13. The Decision by Pontius to Put Jesus Alongside Barabbas Was Politically Motivated

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea from 26 to 36 CE. His decision to release Barabbas instead of Jesus is one of the most debated aspects of his career.

However, the decision to put Jesus alongside Barabbas is claimed to be politically motivated. While it was clear that Jesus deserved to be released, it is claimed he was under pressure from the public.

One possibility is that he was afraid of a riot. The Jewish people were already angry about the Roman occupation, and they might have rioted if Pilate had not released Barabbas.

Another possibility is that Pilate was simply trying to curry favor with the Jewish people. He knew that they were not happy with him, and he may have hoped that releasing Barabbas would appease them.

14. His name was Quite Possibly Jesus Barabbas 

Some scholars believe that his full name was Jesus Barabbas. This is because the name Jesus was a common first name in the region, and it is possible that the Gospel writers simply abbreviated his name to Barabbas.

There are a few reasons why this theory is plausible. First, the Gospel writers often abbreviated names. For example, they refer to Simon Peter as simply “Peter” and to John the Baptist as simply “John.”

Second, the name Jesus Barabbas would have been a more powerful name to the early Christians than simply Barabbas. This is because Jesus was the name of their Messiah, and it would have been a powerful symbol of hope and redemption for them to know that a man named Jesus had been released from prison.

Of course, there is no definitive proof that Barabbas’s full name was Jesus Barabbas. However, the theory is plausible and it is one that has been supported by some scholars.

15. The Name Barabas Has Been Used As A Derogatory Term For Jews Sometimes

The use of the name Barabbas as a derogatory term for Jews is based on the false assumption that all Jews are criminals or rebels. This is a harmful and dangerous stereotype that has been used to justify anti-Semitism and violence against Jews.

It is important to remember that Barabbas was an individual and that not all Jews are the same. To use the name Barabbas as a derogatory term for Jews is to perpetuate a harmful stereotype and to contribute to anti-Semitism.

In the end, the story of Barabbas transcends the confines of a mere historical narrative. It becomes a profound symbol of choice and consequence, a reminder of the complex interplay between human decisions and divine purpose.

In Barabbas, we find not just a criminal, but a timeless emblem of redemption, offering a glimpse into the profound mysteries of providence that continue to resonate through the corridors of history.

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