What does the Bible say about Barabbas?

Barabbas serves as a profound representation of every guilty sinner. According to John 18:40, the crowd demanded that Barabbas be released instead of Jesus, emphasizing the theme of substitutionary atonement. In his case, Barabbas was bound and condemned, deserving death for his insurrection and robbery. This mirrors the plight of all humanity; we are all bound by our sins and deserving of death as stated in Romans 6:23. Yet, just as Barabbas was set free because another was condemned in his place, we too are set free from the penalty of our sins because Christ died on our behalf. Thus, Barabbas symbolizes the grace and mercy that God extends to those He has chosen for salvation.