Jesus or Barabbas

¹⁵ At the festival^(A) the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. ¹⁶ At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.^{[a] 17} So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas,^[b] or Jesus who is called Messiah?”^{(B) 18} For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy.

¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!”^(C)

²⁰ The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. ²¹ The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”

“Barabbas!” they answered.

²² Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?”

They all answered, “Crucify Him!”^[c](D)

²³ Then he said, “Why? What has He done wrong?”

But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him!” all the more.^(E)

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere,^[d] but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.^[e] See to it yourselves!”^(F)

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood be on us^(G) and on our children!” ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged,^[f] he handed Him over to be crucified.^(H)

Jesus or Barabbas

¹³ Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,^{(A) 14} and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people.^(B) But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds^(C) to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of. ¹⁵ Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death. ¹⁶ Therefore, I will have Him whipped^[a](D) and then release Him.” [¹⁷ For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.]^[b](E)

¹⁸ Then^(F) they all cried out together, “Take this man away!^(G) Release Barabbas to us!” ¹⁹ (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

²⁰ Pilate, wanting to release Jesus,^(H) addressed them again, ²¹ but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him!”

²² A third time he said to them, “Why? What has this man done wrong?^(I) I have found in Him no grounds^(J) for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.”

²³ But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices^[c] won out. ²⁴ So^(K) Pilate decided to grant their demand^{(L) 25} and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.^(M)

³⁹ You^(A) have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at the Passover. So, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

⁴⁰ They shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!”^(B) Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.^[a](C)

Jesus Flogged and Mocked

19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. ² The soldiers also twisted together a crown^(D) of thorns, put it on His head, and threw a purple robe around Him. ³ And they repeatedly came up to Him^(E) and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and were slapping His face.

⁴ Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing Him outside to you to let you know I find no grounds^(F) for charging Him.”

Pilate Sentences Jesus to Death

⁵ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.^(G) Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”^(H)

⁶ When the chief priests and the temple police saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!”

Pilate responded, “Take Him and crucify Him yourselves, for I find no grounds for charging Him.”