# Matthew 27:21

> “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied.

— Matthew 27:21, Berean Standard Bible

## When

- AD 30-33? (counted from the text)
- Date source: The two dates put forward for the crucifixion are AD 30 and 33, both within Pilate's prefecture (AD 26-36) and both falling on a Friday at Passover.

## Who ruled

- **Pontius Pilate**, prefect of Judea, AD 26-36, named in the text · Source: Josephus, Antiquities XVIII.3-4; Tacitus, Annals XV.44; the Caesarea inscription, which carries his name and office in stone
- **Tiberius**, emperor of Rome, AD 14-37 · Source: Tacitus, Annals I-VI; Suetonius, Tiberius
- **Herod Antipas**, tetrarch of Galilee, 4 BC – AD 39 · Source: Josephus, Antiquities XVII.8-XVIII.7
- **Philip**, tetrarch of Ituraea, 4 BC – AD 34 · Source: Josephus, Antiquities XVII.8, XVIII.4
- **Caiaphas**, high priest, AD 18-36 · Source: Josephus, Antiquities XVIII.2.2 and XVIII.4.3; the ossuary of "Joseph, son of Caiaphas," found in Jerusalem in 1990

## This document

- Canonical: https://scriptoria.digital/en/bible/matthew/27/21
- Whole chapter: https://scriptoria.digital/en/bible/matthew/27
- License: Scripture: Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain. Source: Scriptoria (scriptoria.digital).