23 ¹³ Pilate now called together the chief priests, councillors, and people, 23 ¹⁴ and said to them, 'You brought this man before me on a charge of subversion. But, as you see, I have myself examined him in your presence and found nothing in him to support your charges. 23 ¹⁵ No more did Herod, for he has referred him back to us. Clearly he has done nothing to deserve death. 23 ¹⁶ I therefore propose to let him off with a flogging.' 23 ¹⁷ Some manuscripts read: At festival time he was obliged to release one person for them; 18 and now ...

23 ¹⁸ But there is was a general outcry, 'Away with him! Give us Barabbas.' 23 ¹⁹ (This man had been put in prison for a rising that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 23 ²⁰ Pilate addressed them again, in his desire to release Jesus, 23 ²¹ but they shouted back, 'Crucify him, crucify him!' 23 ²² For the third time he spoke to them: 'Why, what wrong has he done? I have not found him guilty of any capital offence. I will therefore let him off with a flogging.' 23 ²³ But they insisted on their demand, shouting that Jesus should be crucified. Their shouts prevailed 23 ²⁴ and Pilate decided that they should have their way. 23 ²⁵ He released the man they asked for, the man who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and gave Jesus up to their will.