FocusBetrayal's aftermath and condemnation
Connection to the wholeJudas' remorse and the proceedings before Pilate lead to Jesus being handed over for crucifixion.
interpretation Matthew 27:1
KJVWhen the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
Read it in context
Trial before Pilate and Condemnation
Start reading at Matthew 27:1 (Matthew 27:1 to Matthew 27:26).
This verse initiates the account of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, following His condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin.
- 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
- 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
- 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
- 27:4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
- 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
- 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
- 27:7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
- 27:8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
- 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
- 27:10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.
- 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
- 27:12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
- 27:13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
- 27:14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
- 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
- 27:16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
- 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
- 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
- 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
- 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
- 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
- 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
- 27:23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
- 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
- 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
- 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 27:1–27:66): Jesus is brought before Pilate; priests, elders, the crowd, soldiers, two crucified men, women followers, Joseph of Arimathaea, and the tomb guards appear in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is the Jewish religious leaders' decision to formally condemn Jesus to death and deliver Him to Pontius Pilate for execution. This marks the beginning of Jesus' trial before the Roman authorities.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the culmination of the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, demonstrating the depth of human sin and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah's suffering and death. It shows God's sovereign plan unfolding through human actions to bring about salvation.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative, presenting a historical account of Jesus' final hours before crucifixion.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 50 to 70. book background
- When does the event take place? The event takes place in the morning, specifically the morning after Jesus' arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin, around A.D. 30. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The counsel took place in Jerusalem, likely at the Sanhedrin's meeting place, before Jesus was led to Pontius Pilate, who was also in Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Judea or Antioch. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Trial before Pilate and Condemnation (Matthew 27:1 to Matthew 27:26). Start reading at Matthew 27:1. This verse initiates the account of Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, following His condemnation by the Jewish Sanhedrin.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This passage immediately follows Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin and Peter's denial, marking the transition from the Jewish religious authorities' condemnation of Jesus to His formal trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, which will lead to His crucifixion. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? This passage highlights Christ's willing submission to the Father's plan for salvation. Though innocent, He is condemned by human authorities, fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) who would be delivered up for the sins of the world. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a stark warning against religious hypocrisy, envy, and the rejection of truth, urging believers to examine their own hearts for similar attitudes. It also reminds us of the immense cost of our salvation, as Christ willingly endured unjust condemnation for our sake. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 27:1, Matthew 27:2, Matthew 27:3, Matthew 27:5, Matthew 27:7, Matthew 27:11, Matthew 27:16, Matthew 27:19, Matthew 27:20, Matthew 26:57-68, Isaiah 53:7-8
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus before Pilate
Parallel accounts
Luke separately records an appearance before Herod. The passages are not a claim that every trial detail appears in each account.
Related passages
- the morning Judg 16:2 1 Sam 19:11 Prov 4:16-18 Mic 2:1 Luke 22:66 Acts 5:21
- all Matt 23:13 Matt 26:3-4 Ps 2:2 Acts 4:24-28
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 27
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Mockery and crucifixion
Matthew 27:27–44FocusThe rejected king
Connection to the wholeThe soldiers and onlookers mock the identity that the Gospel has revealed while Jesus is crucified.
interpretation Jesus dies
Matthew 27:45–56FocusThe death and its witnesses
Connection to the wholeJesus' death is accompanied by striking events and testimony, while named followers witness what has occurred.
interpretation Burial and the guard
Matthew 27:57–66FocusThe secured tomb
Connection to the wholeThe burial and measures to guard the tomb establish the setting for the resurrection account in chapter 28.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.