11. Nevertheless it is hurried to a close, though shown to be under the over-ruling hand of God, in that the circumstances were predicted in prophecy.-" There were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death." (Luke 23:3232And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. (Luke 23:32).)
Two things strike me here-first, the overruling hand of God in so leading their malice, which was all their own, as that they should fulfill the prophecy in Isa. 53, in associating Jesus with the malefactors; secondly, the rapidity of the action, He is seized upon unlawfully one night, and, in spite of all Roman law and justice, executed the next day. Barabbas had not been so treated by man; neither were James, Peter, nor Paul afterward allowed to be so treated. A longer interval at least was granted to them, though denied to Him who was the Prince of life.