Matthew:
And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Matthew 27:16 KJV
At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. Matthew 27:16 NASB
Mark:
And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection” Mark 15:7 KJV
The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. Mark 15:7 NASB
Luke:
Release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison)” Luke 23:19 KJV
Release for us Barabbas (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) Luke 23:19 NASB
John:
“Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber” John 18:40 KJV
So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:40 NASB
The choice of the people, under the influence of their leaders, for Barabbas over Christ is the most infamous and fatal decision recorded in history. The futile attempt of Pilate to extricate himself from the obvious injustice to which he was pressured to be part of, failed.
What is of note is how each Gospel writer, controlled by the Spirit of God, framed the decision and the description of Barabbas. Matthew who is telling us of the King Who has come to the nation, refers to Barabbas as a “notable” prisoner. The word can convey eminent or remarkable. Possibly Pilate searched the prison records to find the most notorious of men, thinking that to the people the choice would be obvious. Would they want a “notable” prisoner or request the Man at Whom everyone marvelled? Elsewhere, Matthew will refer to the “Great King.” They chose a “great prisoner” instead.
Mark tells us that Barabbas was among those who had rebelled against Rome and who had committed murder in so doing. He does not lay the crime of murder directly at the door of Barabbas, mentioning only that it was committed by those among whom he was numbered. Barabbas was a companion of those who served evil purposes. Which servant would the people choose?
Luke is more specific. Luke has been presenting through his Gospel, the perfect Man Who loved the Lord with all His heart and Who loved His neighbor as Himself. Barabbas is presented in stark relief as the criminal who had committed murder in the rebellion. Here there is no mistaking of Barabbas’ responsibility for taking life. The contrast is between Christ Who loved His neighbor and Barabbas who murdered his neighbor.
John, in contrast, presents Barabbas as “a robber.” No mention is made of insurrection or murder. He is a robber in John’s account. No doubt he was guilty of all the different crimes, and each Gospel writer presents him in keeping with the theme of the Gospel (as inspired by the Spirit).
John, elsewhere, is the only writer who tells us that Judas was a thief (John 12:6). John is also the only writer who tells us that the chief priests chose the stranger, Caesar over Christ. So, John brings together a thief, robber, and stranger in contrast to the Good Shepherd (John 10). The One Who came to “give” was being refused; and the one who would “take,” Barabbas, was chosen.
Consider:
Noting differences in the Gospel accounts confirms our confidence in the Inspiration of Scripture. Read the Gospels carefully, comparing accounts to appreciate nuances that enhance the beauty of Christ.