Matthew 27:15-26 - Pilate Releases Barabbas
15 It was a custom for the governor to set one prisoner free at the time of the feast. The people were to help choose that prisoner. 16 At that time they held an important prisoner named Barabbas. 17 When they assembled, Pilate asked: What is your choice? Barabbas or Jesus, the one called the Christ? 18 He knew it was because of envy they gave him up.
19 While he was seated in judgment his wife sent a message to him. She said, Do not judge that righteous man. I have had much trouble this day in a dream because of him.
20 The chief priests and elders got the people to request Barabbas, and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 The governor responded to them. He asked: Which of the two do you want me to set free? They shouted: Barabbas!
22 Pilate said to them: What am I to do with Jesus, the one called Christ? They all said: Put him to death. Impale him!
23 What evil has he done? Pilate asked. But they shouted: Impale him!
24 Pilate saw that he could do nothing. The people were ready to cause much trouble. He took water and washed his hands in front of the people. He said: The blood of this man is not on my hands. You are responsible.
25 The people answered: Let his blood be on us, and on our children. 26 He set Barabbas free. He had Jesus whipped. Then he commanded that he be put to death on the stake.
6 He used to release one prisoner at the feast. This was done by request. 7 Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer was available for this purpose. 8 The crowd cried aloud and asked him to do as he always did for them. 9 Pilate answered them, saying: Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews? 10 For he knew that it was out of envy the chief priests delivered him up. 11 The chief priests influenced the crowd, that he should release Barabbas to them instead.
12 What should I do with the one you call the King of the Jews? Pilate asked.
13 They cried out: Impale him!
14 Pilate said: Why, what evil has he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Impale him!
15 Wishing to please the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. Then he handed over Jesus. He was flogged and impaled.
13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people. 14 He said: You brought this man to me as one who perverted the people. I examined him before you and find no fault in this man. He has not done the things you accuse him of. 15 Herod found no fault and sent him back to us. He has done nothing worthy of death. 16 I will therefore punish him, and release him. 17 He must release one prisoner to them at the feast.
18 They cried out in unison: Take this man away and release to us Barabbas! 19 He was thrown into prison for insurrection (sedition) in the city and murder.
20 Pilate spoke to them again desiring to release Jesus. 21 But they shouted, Impale him! Impale him!
22 A third time he said to them: Why, what evil has this man done? I have found no reason to put him to death. I will therefore chastise him and release him.
23 But they were insistent and spoke in loud voices asking him to impale him. And they prevailed. 24 Pilate pronounced a sentence that what they asked for should be done. 25 He released the man who was in prison for insurrection and murder and he delivered Jesus to their will.