Matthew 27:15–26

Jesus or Barabbas

¹⁵At the festival ^hthe governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. ¹⁶At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. ⁱ¹⁷So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, ^jor Jesus who is called Messiah?” ^k18For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy.

¹⁹While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!” ^l

²⁰The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. ²¹The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”

“Barabbas!” they answered.

²²Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?”

They all answered, “Crucify Him!” ^mn

²³Then he said, “Why? What has He done wrong?”

But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him!” all the more. ^o

²⁴When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, ^pbut that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. ^qSee to it yourselves!” ^r

²⁵All the people answered, “His blood be on us ^sand on our children!” ²⁶Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, ^the handed Him over to be crucified. ^u