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Joh_18:39-40. Instead of stedfastly protecting the innocence of Jesus, he seeks, unwisely enough, in order not to be unpopular, a circuitous way, by which he practically surrenders the innocent one.
ἵνα , κ . τ . λ .] A custom exists amongst you: I ought to release to you, etc. On the thing itself, see on Mat_27:15.
ἐν τῷ πάσχα ] Pilate could thus express himself as well on the 14th (against Hengstenberg), as also on the 15th Nisan, but the releasing itself corresponds most naturally to the sacred significance of the 14th. Comp. on Joh_18:28. Moreover, it is in itself more probable that the statement of the time of this customary release as one that was legally stationary is expressed even in the strict sense of τὸ πάσχα (Lev_23:5; Num_28:16).
βούλεσθε … ἀπολύσω ] Do you wish that I should release? Deliberative conjunctive. Comp. on Mat_13:28; Kühner, II. § 464.
τὸν βασιλ . τ . Ἰουδ .] Unwise and scornful bitterness. Hengstenberg imports a serious view of the idea of Messias, which certainly Pilate was not equal to.
πάλιν ] presupposes a general clamour already raised in Joh_18:30-31.
Βαραββ .] See on Mat_27:16.
ἦν δὲ ὁ Β . λῃστής ] Tragical addition. The designation by λῃστής does not exclude the statement in Mar_15:7; Luk_23:19; λῃσταὶ φονεύουσι , Soph. O. R. 719. According to Mat_27:17, Pilate offered a choice between Barabbas and Jesus; Mark, and also Luke, agree with John.