12
When the leading priests and the older leaders accused Jesus, he said nothing.
13
So Pilate said to Jesus, "Don't you hear them accusing you of all these things?"
14
But Jesus said nothing in answer to Pilate, and Pilate was very surprised at this.
15
Every year at the time of Passover the governor would free one prisoner whom the people chose.
16
At that time there was a man in prison, named Barabbas, who was known to be very bad.
17
When the people gathered at Pilate's house, Pilate said, "Whom do you want me to set free: Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?"
18
Pilate knew that the people turned Jesus in to him because they were jealous.
19
While Pilate was sitting there on the judge's seat, his wife sent this message to him: "Don't do anything to that man, because he is innocent. Today I had a dream about him, and it troubled me very much."
20
But the leading priests and older leaders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be freed and for Jesus to be killed.
21
Pilate said, "I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which do you want me to set free for you?" The people answered, "Barabbas."
22
Pilate asked, "So what should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?" They all answered, "Crucify him!"