At that time they had in custody a notorious prisoner named Jesus Barabbas.

Then he released Barabbas for them. But after he had Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified.

So after they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?”

But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed.

The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas!”