Matthew 27:18

“For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.] He saw in their countenances, and by their charges against him, and by the whole of their conduct, that it was not out of any regard to Caesar, or to the peace and tranquillity of the civil government, or to strict justice; but from envy, at his popularity, at his fame and credit, the honour, glory, and applause he had among the people, on account of his doctrine, and miracles, that they had delivered him up into his hands; and therefore Pilate might the rather hope to succeed in this scheme of his to release him, by proposing him with so notorious a person to the populace, when the one, as he might reasonably judge, was abhorred by them,…”

“See also the parallel places in Mark 15:6-14; Luke 23:17-23; John 18:39-40. Matthew 27:15 At that feast - The feast of the Passover. The governor was wont to release ... - that is, was “accustomed” to release. From what this custom arose, or by whom it was introduced, is not known. It was probably adopted to secure popularity among the Jews, and to render the government of the Romans less odious. Any little indulgence granted to the Jews during the heavy oppression of the Romans would serve to conciliate their favor, and to keep the nation from sedition. It might happen often that when persons were arraigned before the Romans on charge of sedition, some special favorite of the people, or…”

“He knew that for envy they had delivered him - As well as from malice and revenge; they envied him, because the people magnified him. Matthew 27:22”

“he: Gen 37:11; Sa1 18:7-11; Psa 106:16; Pro 27:4; Ecc 4:4; Isa 26:11; Mar 15:10; Act 5:17, Act 7:9, Act 13:45; Jam 4:5 envy: Or, malice φθονος \[Strong's G5355\], probably from φθινω, to decay, wither, pine away, according to that of Solomon. Pro 27:4 Matthew 27:19”