Matthew 27:2
They bound Him, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate the governor.
They bound Him
The act of binding Jesus signifies the physical restraint placed upon Him, symbolizing the spiritual and judicial constraints imposed by the religious leaders. The Greek word used here is "δέω" (deo), which means to tie or bind. This act of binding is deeply symbolic, representing the binding of the sacrificial lamb, as Jesus is often referred to as the Lamb of God. In a broader theological context, this binding can be seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant who is led like a lamb to the slaughter. The binding also reflects the human attempt to control and subdue the divine, a theme that resonates throughout the Passion narrative.

led Him away
The phrase "led Him away" indicates the transition from the religious trial to the civil trial. The Greek word "ἀπάγω" (apago) means to lead away or to bring forth. This movement from one place to another is not just physical but also symbolic of the shift in responsibility from the Jewish authorities to the Roman authorities. Historically, this reflects the Jewish leaders' inability to carry out capital punishment under Roman rule, necessitating their delivery of Jesus to the Roman governor. This act of leading away also fulfills the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant being led to his fate, as seen in Isaiah 53:7.

handed Him over
The phrase "handed Him over" is translated from the Greek word "παραδίδωμι" (paradidomi), which means to deliver or betray. This term is significant in the Passion narrative, as it is the same word used to describe Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. The act of handing over is a legal term, indicating the transfer of custody and responsibility. In a theological sense, this handing over is part of the divine plan for redemption, as Jesus is delivered into the hands of sinners to fulfill His mission of salvation. It also highlights the culpability of both Jewish and Roman authorities in the crucifixion of Christ.

to Pilate the governor
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, plays a crucial role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The title "governor" is translated from the Greek "ἡγεμών" (hegemon), which refers to a leader or ruler. Pilate's involvement is significant historically and theologically. Historically, Pilate was the prefect of Judea from AD 26-36, known for his harsh rule and insensitivity to Jewish customs. His role in the trial of Jesus is well-documented in both biblical and extra-biblical sources, such as the writings of Josephus and Tacitus. Theologically, Pilate represents the worldly authority that, despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, succumbs to political pressure and expediency. His interaction with Jesus highlights the tension between earthly power and divine authority, a theme that resonates throughout the Gospels.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, who is being led away to face trial. His arrest and subsequent trial are pivotal events in the Passion account.

2. Pilate the Governor
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. He played a crucial role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, as he had the authority to sentence Jesus to death.

3. The Jewish Leaders
These were the chief priests and elders who conspired to arrest Jesus and bring Him before Pilate. They were instrumental in orchestrating the events leading to His crucifixion.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place. It was the center of Jewish religious life and the location of the Temple.

5. The Binding and Leading Away of Jesus
This event signifies the beginning of Jesus' Passion, where He is treated as a criminal and subjected to Roman authority.
Teaching Points
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' arrest and trial were not random events but the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This underscores the sovereignty of God and the reliability of Scripture.

The Role of Human Authority
Pilate's involvement highlights the interaction between divine providence and human authority. Believers are reminded of the importance of submitting to earthly authorities while recognizing God's ultimate control.

The Innocence of Jesus
Despite being bound and led away, Jesus remained innocent. This serves as a reminder of His sinless nature and the unjust suffering He endured for humanity's sake.

The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus' willingness to be led away and handed over challenges believers to consider the cost of following Him. It calls for a commitment to stand firm in faith, even in the face of persecution.

The Power of God's Plan
The events leading to the crucifixion demonstrate that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human actions. This provides assurance to believers that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the binding and leading away of Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecies, and what does this teach us about the nature of God's promises?

2. In what ways can we see the interaction between divine providence and human authority in the trial of Jesus, and how can this understanding impact our view of current events?

3. Reflect on the innocence of Jesus in the face of false accusations. How can this inspire us to respond to unjust treatment in our own lives?

4. What does Jesus' willingness to be handed over to Pilate teach us about the cost of discipleship, and how can we apply this lesson in our daily walk with Christ?

5. How can the assurance of God's sovereign plan, as seen in the events of Matthew 27:2, provide comfort and guidance in times of personal trial or uncertainty?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 53
This chapter prophesies the suffering servant, which Christians interpret as a foretelling of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice.

John 18-19
These chapters provide a detailed account of Jesus' trial before Pilate, offering additional insights into Pilate's role and the political dynamics at play.

Acts 4:27-28
This passage reflects on the gathering of Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel against Jesus, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's plan.
A Gnawing ConscienceHenry Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
Conscience Needs RevelationA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Dissatisfaction of JudasJohn Trapp.Matthew 27:1-10
Gradual Downfall of JudasE. Thring, M. A.Matthew 27:1-10
Iscariot's ConfessionS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Iscariot's Motive for SuicideS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Judas and the Priests -- End of Evil AssociationJ. Ker, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Judas, Which Had Betrayed HimE. Thring, M. A.Matthew 27:1-10
Manner of Iscariot's DeathH. B. Hackett, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Origin of NameBloomfield.Matthew 27:1-10
Passion is Stronger than the Fear of DeathO. B. Frothingham.Matthew 27:1-10
Refusing a LegacyF. Hastings.Matthew 27:1-10
Revulsion of Feeling After Sin is CommittedA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
See Thou to ThatA. Maclaren, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The BetrayerA. Weston.Matthew 27:1-10
The Devil Tempts to DespairAyguan.Matthew 27:1-10
The Field of Blood.-- Site of AceldamaDr. Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The Mixture of Good and Bad in JudasS. Cox, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The Price of BloodJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 27:1-10
The Remorse of Judas on the Condemnation of ChristH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance and Suicide of JudasE. T. Carrier.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasC. Bradley.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasW. H. Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The Repentance of JudasHenry Smith.Matthew 27:1-10
The True Confessor and the FalseDr. Bonar.Matthew 27:1-10
The Unconverted Warned by the Remorse of the LostB. W. Noel, M. A., G. J. Noel.Matthew 27:1-10
What is that to Us?J. Ker, D. D.Matthew 27:1-10
Christ Before Pilate. No. 1Marcus Dods Matthew 27:1, 2, 11-14
People
Barabbas, Eli, Elias, Elijah, Israelites, James, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Pilate, Simon, Zabdi, Zebedee
Places
Arimathea, Cyrene, Field of Blood, Galilee, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Place of the Skull
Topics
Binding, Bound, Cords, Delivered, Governor, Handed, Lead, Led, Pilate, Pontius, Ruler
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 27:2

     5327   governors

Matthew 27:1-2

     2585   Christ, trial
     8410   decision-making, examples

Library
The Blind Watchers at the Cross
'And sitting down they watched Him there.' --MATT. xxvii. 36. Our thoughts are, rightly, so absorbed by the central Figure in this great chapter that we pass by almost unnoticed the groups round the cross. And yet there are large lessons to be learned from each of them. These rude soldiers, four in number, as we infer from John's Gospel, had no doubt joined with their comrades in the coarse mockery which preceded the sad procession to Calvary; and then they had to do the rough work of the executioners,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Veil Rent
'Behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.'--MATT. xxvii. 51. As I suppose we are all aware, the Jewish Temple was divided into three parts: the Outer Court, open to all; the Holy Place, to which the ministering priests had daily access to burn incense and trim the lamps; and the Holy of Holies, where only the High Priest was permitted to go, and that but once a year, on the great Day of Atonement. For the other three hundred and sixty-four days the shrine lay silent,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Sentence which Condemned the Judges
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. 12. And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13. Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? 14. And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Crucifixion
'And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34. They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink. 35. And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots. 36. And sitting down they watched Him there; 37. And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'See Thou to That!'
'I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that. 24. I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.'--MATT. xxvii. 4, 24. So, what the priests said to Judas, Pilate said to the priests. They contemptuously bade their wretched instrument bear the burden of his own treachery. They had condescended to use his services, but he presumed too far if he thought that that gave him a claim upon their sympathies. The tools of more
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Taunts Turning to Testimonies
'... The chief priests mocking Him ... said, 42. He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him.' --MATT. xxvii. 41-43. It is an old saying that the corruption of the best is the worst. What is more merciful and pitiful than true religion? What is more merciless and malicious than hatred which calls itself 'religious'? These priests, like many a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourth Word
"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani."--ST. MATT. XXVII. 46; ST. MARK XV. 34. There are three peculiar and distinguishing features of this fourth word which our Saviour uttered from His Cross. 1. It is the only one of the Seven which finds a place in the earliest record of our Lord's life, contained in the matter common to St. Matthew and St. Mark. 2. It is the only one which has been preserved to us in the original Aramaic, in the very syllables which were formed by the lips of Christ. 3. It is the
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

Let Him Deliver Him Now
It is very painful to the heart to picture our blessed Master in his death-agonies, surrounded by a ribald multitude, who watched him and mocked him, made sport of his prayer and insulted his faith. Nothing was sacred to them: they invaded the Holy of holies of his confidence in God, and taunted him concerning that faith in Jehovah which they were compelled to admit. See, dear friends, what an evil thing is sin, since the Sin-bearer suffers so bitterly to make atonement for it! See, also, the shame
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Rent Veil
THE DEATH of our Lord Jesus Christ was fitly surrounded by miracles; yet it is itself so much greater a wonder than all besides, that it as far exceeds them as the sun outshines the planets which surround it. It seems natural enough that the earth should quake, that tombs should be opened, and that the veil of the temple should be rent, when He who only hath immortality gives up the ghost. The more you think of the death of the Son of God, the more will you be amazed at it. As much as a miracle excels
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

Lama Sabachthani?
Our Lord was then in the darkest part of his way. He had trodden the winepress now for hours, and the work was almost finished. He had reached the culminating point of his anguish. This is his dolorous lament from the lowest pit of misery--"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I do not think that the records of time or even of eternity, contain a sentence more full of anguish. Here the wormwood and the gall, and all the other bitternesses, are outdone. Here you may look as into a vast abyss;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 36: 1890

Our Lord's Solemn Enquiry
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--Matthew 27:46. IF any one of us, lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ had been anywhere near the cross when he uttered those words, I am sure our hearts would have burst with anguish, and one thing is certain--we should have heard the tones of that dying cry as long as ever we lived. There is no doubt that at certain times they would come to us again, ringing shrill and clear through the thick darkness. We should
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Eloi.
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"--ST MATTHEW xxvii. 46. I do not know that I should dare to approach this, of all utterances into which human breath has ever been moulded, most awful in import, did I not feel that, containing both germ and blossom of the final devotion, it contains therefore the deepest practical lesson the human heart has to learn. The Lord, the Revealer, hides nothing that can be revealed, and will not warn away the foot that treads in naked humility even upon the
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Third Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Formally Condemned by the Sanhedrin and Led to Pilate.
(Jerusalem. Friday After Dawn.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 1, 2; ^B Mark XV. 1; ^C Luke XXII. 66-23:1; ^D John XVIII. 28. ^a 1 Now when morning was come, ^c 66 And as soon as it was day, ^b straightway ^c the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away into their council, ^a all the chief priests and { ^b with} the elders ^a of the people ^b and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and ^a took counsel against Jesus to put
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First Time.
(Jerusalem. Early Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 11-14; ^B Mark XV. 2-5; ^C Luke XXIII. 2-5; ^D John XVIII. 28-38. ^d and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. [See p. 641.] 29 Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man? 30 They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee. [The Jewish rulers first attempt to induce
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Remorse and Suicide of Judas.
(in the Temple and Outside the Wall of Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 3-10; ^E Acts I. 18, 19. ^a 3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned [Judas, having no reason to fear the enemies of Jesus, probably stood in their midst and witnessed the entire trial], repented himself, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. [There are two Greek words which are translated "repented,"
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Crucifixion.
Subdivision A. On the Way to the Cross. (Within and Without Jerusalem. Friday Morning.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 31-34; ^B Mark XV. 20-23; ^C Luke XXIII. 26-33; ^D John XIX. 17. ^a 31 And when they had mocked him, they took off from him the ^b purple, ^a robe, and put on him his garments [This ended the mockery, which seems to have been begun in a state of levity, but which ended in gross indecency and violence. When we think of him who endured it all, we can not contemplate the scene without a shudder. Who
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
It matters little as regards their guilt, whether, pressing the language of St. John, [6034] we are to understand that Pilate delivered Jesus to the Jews to be crucified, or, as we rather infer, to his own soldiers. This was the common practice, and it accords both with the Governor's former taunt to the Jews, [6035] and with the after-notice of the Synoptists. They, to whom He was delivered,' led Him away to be crucified:' and they who so led Him forth compelled' the Cyrenian Simon to bear the Cross.
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus in the Tomb.
It was about three o'clock in the afternoon, according to our manner of reckoning,[1] when Jesus expired. A Jewish law[2] forbade a corpse suspended on the cross to be left beyond the evening of the day of the execution. It is not probable that in the executions performed by the Romans this rule was observed; but as the next day was the Sabbath, and a Sabbath of peculiar solemnity, the Jews expressed to the Roman authorities[3] their desire that this holy day should not be profaned by such a spectacle.[4]
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The vicariousness of Prayer
The Vicariousness of Prayer I The work of the ministry labours under one heavy disadvantage when we regard it as a profession and compare it with other professions. In these, experience brings facility, a sense of mastery in the subject, self-satisfaction, self-confidence; but in our subject the more we pursue it, the more we enter into it, so much the more are we cast down with the overwhelming sense, not only of our insufficiency, but of our unworthiness. Of course, in the technique of our work
P. T. Forsyth—The Soul of Prayer

The Fifth Word from the Cross
The fourth word from the cross we looked upon both as the climax of the struggle which had gone on in the mind of the divine Sufferer during the three hours of silence and darkness which preceded its utterance and as the liberation of His mind from that struggle. This view seems to be confirmed by the terms in which St. John introduces the Fifth Word--"After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished,[2] that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst." The phrase, "that the
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before Mentioned,
be convinced of the truth and certainty of the Christian religion, and be persuaded to make it the rule and guide of all their actions, would not be convinced, (so far as to influence their practice and reform their lives,) by any other evidence whatsoever; no, not though one should rise on purpose from the dead to endeavour to convince them. That the evidence which God has afforded us of the truth of our religion is abundantly sufficient. From what has been said, upon the foregoing heads, it is
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Links
Matthew 27:2 NIV
Matthew 27:2 NLT
Matthew 27:2 ESV
Matthew 27:2 NASB
Matthew 27:2 KJV

Matthew 27:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Matthew 27:1
Top of Page
Top of Page