Barabbas (bär-ăb'bas), son of Abba. A noted criminal at Jerusalem who was in prison for sedition and murder when Christ was condemned. Matthew 27:16. It was a custom of the Romans to release one prisoner at the time of the Jewish Passover. The Jews were permitted to name any prisoner whose release they desired; and when the choice lay between Barabbas and Christ, they chose the robber. Matthew 27:21; Mark 15:6-11; Luke 23:18; John 18:40; Acts 3:14. Pilate was anxious to save Christ, but at last released Barabbas.