At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Jesus Bar-Abbas;

so, when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Who do you want released? Jesus Bar-Abbas or Jesus the so-called 'Christ'?"

But the high priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask Bar-Abbas and to have Jesus killed.

The governor said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" "Bar-Abbas," they said.

Then he released Bar-Abbas for them; Jesus he scourged and handed over to be crucified.

And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; take away this cup from me: but even so let not my pleasure, but yours be done.

(There was a man called Bar-Abbas in prison, among the rioters who had committed murder during the insurrection.)

But the high priests stirred up the crowd to get him to release Bar-Abbas for them instead.

So, as Pilate wanted to satisfy the crowd, he released Bar-Abbas for them; Jesus he handed over to be crucified, after he had scourged him.

But they shouted one and all, "Away with him! Release Bar-Abbas for us!"

Again they yelled, "No, not him! Bar-Abbas!" Now Bar-Abbas was a robber.

For ye have not received a spirit of servitude, leading back into fear, but ye have received a spirit of sonship, whereby we are exclaiming - Abba! Oh Father!

And because you are sons, God has sent out the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, saying, Abba, Father.