I'm sure the point has been made elsewhere, perhaps by Wright, but the substitution of Jesus for Barabbas is not only a sign of a generalized substitutionary atonement (though it is that); it is also a sign that Jesus is specifically substituting for Israel. He is the true faithful Israelite giving Himself for Israel, the "son of the Father" (Bar-abbas) that has turned brigand.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Monday, February 20, 2006 at 10:28 AM
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