Barabbas 1961

Pilate's pardon over Jesus

Pontius Pilate offers to release either Jesus or Barabbas as part of the Passover custom. The crowd chooses Barabbas, and Jesus is condemned to crucifixion. Barabbas is released and returns to his friends.

Barabbas reunites with friends; Rachel follower

Barabbas returns to his friends and asks about Rachel. They inform him that Rachel has become a follower of Christ and has returned to the city. Their reunion is tense, and Rachel is not happy to see him, leading to a physical tussle.

Barabbas witnesses crucifixion

Barabbas witnesses Jesus' crucifixion in Jerusalem. He sees Jesus die as the sky grows dark and watches Jesus' body sealed in the tomb.

The third morning of resurrection talk

On the third morning after the crucifixion, Barabbas finds the tomb open. Rachel tells him that Christ has risen, but Barabbas doubts, calling it an illusion or theft by his followers.

Rachel's preaching and death

Rachel preaches in Jerusalem about Christ Jesus himself and is stoned to death at the insistence of the priests. Barabbas witnesses the brutal end of the woman who had once been linked to his life.

Barabbas captured and sentenced

Guilt drives Barabbas back into crime as he attempts to rob a caravan carrying several priests. The robbery goes wrong, and Barabbas is captured by Roman soldiers. Since Pilate cannot execute someone who has already been pardoned, he sentences Barabbas to lifelong slavery in the sulfur mines of Sicily.

Twenty years in the mines

Barabbas survives for twenty years in the sulfur mines of Sicily. He is chained to Sahak, a Christian sailor who was sent there for allowing slaves to escape. Sahak initially hates Barabbas for being pardoned instead of 'the Master', but the two men eventually become friends.

Earthquake and rescue

The mine is destroyed in an earthquake, and Barabbas and Sahak are the only survivors. Julia, the superstitious wife of the local prefect, considers them blessed, and the prefect takes them with him to Rome for good luck.

Gladiator training in Rome

In Rome, the men are trained to become gladiators by Torvald, the top gladiator. They endure brutal training and prepare for the arena, where faith and survival collide. Barabbas becomes drawn into the violent world for his freedom and fate.

Sahak's death

Sahak's bold sharing of faith with other gladiators leads to a death sentence for treason. Torvald executes Sahak for practicing a non state-sanctioned religion.

Barabbas defeats Torvald; Nero frees

The next day, Barabbas and Torvald battle in the arena. Barabbas wins by killing Torvald and earns Nero's favor, who then sets Barabbas free.

Catacombs burial

Barabbas takes Sahak's corpse to the catacombs, where local Christians are worshiping. They give him a proper burial, marking a quiet moment of faith amid the violence.

Rome burns and accusations

Barabbas emerges to find Rome on fire and is told that the Christians started the fire. Believing the end of the world has come, he sets fire to more buildings, convinced by apocalyptic warnings he has heard.

Imprisonment with Peter

Barabbas is imprisoned with several other Christians, among them the apostle Peter. Peter admonishes him for arson and reminds him that Christians would not commit such acts.