14 He said to them, “You brought this man to me, saying he makes trouble among the people. But I have questioned him before you all, and I have not found him guilty of what you say.
15 Also, Herod found nothing wrong with him; he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing for which he should die.
16 So, after I punish him, I will let him go free.” [
17 Every year at the Passover Feast, Pilate had to release one prisoner to the people.]
18 But the people shouted together, “Take this man away! Let Barabbas go free!”
19 (Barabbas was a man who was in prison for his part in a riot in the city and for murder.)
20 Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free and told this to the crowd.