15 aNow at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the 1people any one prisoner whom they wanted.

16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas.

17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus awho is called Christ?”

18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.

19 aWhile he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that brighteous Man; for 1last night I suffered greatly cin a dream because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to aask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

21 But the governor 1said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

22 Pilate * said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus awho is called Christ?” They all * said, “1Crucify Him!”

23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “1Crucify Him!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that aa riot was starting, he took water and bwashed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of cthis Man’s blood; dsee to that yourselves.”

25 And all the people said, “aHis blood shall be on us and on our children!”

26 Then he released Barabbas 1for them; but after having Jesus ascourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.