Definition: Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? [They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from Matthew 27:22. It's a really important and dramatic moment in the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Pilate – a Roman official – is asking Jesus, “What are you going to do with him? What are you going to do with someone who’s been accused of something serious?” Let's unpack the words: “Pilate saith unto them…” - This means Pilate spoke to them. “[They] all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” – This is the key part. The crowd (the people) all agree that Jesus should be crucified. What does it mean? It’s a pretty harsh instruction. Pilate wants to know what to do with Jesus, and the crowd wants to execute him. It suggests they believe Jesus is guilty of some terrible crime – perhaps something involving betrayal or violence. Why was this done? This passage is crucial because it's the beginning of Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate, as a Roman official, had ultimate authority over Jesus and his followers. He was essentially giving him a choice: he could either cooperate with the Romans, or he would face execution. The crowd’s demand to have him crucified is a clear signal that they believe Jesus is guilty of something that needs to be dealt with severely. Important Context: This is part of a larger story about Jesus being accused of treason – perhaps because he was challenging Roman authority. It shows the power struggle between Jewish and Roman authorities at the time, and it highlights the tension in the early days of Christianity. In short: Pilate tells Jesus to be crucified, signaling the beginning of his agonizing death. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story surrounding this verse The significance of the word "crucified" What it implies about the Roman government's power at the time