5
But Jesus made no further answer: so that Pilate wondered.
6
Now at the Festival it was customary for Pilate to release to the Jews any one prisoner whom they might beg off from punishment;
7
and at this time a man named Barabbas was in prison among the insurgents--persons who in the insurrection had committed murder.
8
So the people came crowding up, asking Pilate to grant them the usual favour.
9
"Shall I release for you the King of the Jews?" answered Pilate.
10
For he could see that it was out of sheer spite that the High Priests had handed Him over.
11
But the High Priests urged on the crowd to obtain Barabbas's release in preference;
12
and when Pilate again asked them, "What then shall I do to the man you call King of the Jews?"
13
they once more shouted out, "Crucify Him!"
14
"Why, what crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they vehemently shouted, "Crucify Him!"
15
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the mob, released Barabbas for them, and after scourging Jesus handed Him over for crucifixion.