There was at that time in custody a notorious prisoner named Barabbas.

Therefore, when the people had gathered together, Pilate asked them, "Whom do you want me to release, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called 'Christ'?"

Now the leading priests and [Jewish] elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas [to be released] and for Jesus to be killed.

But the governor asked them, "Which one of these two men do you want me to release to you?" And they answered, "Barabbas."

Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus flogged and then turned over to be crucified.