^{15 Ref} Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired.

^{16 Ref} They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

^{17 Ref} When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?"

^{18 Ref} For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up.

^{19 Ref} While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him."

^{20 Ref} Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

²¹ But the governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!"

^{22 Ref} Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified!"

^{23 Ref} But the governor said, "Why? What evil has he done?" But they cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let him be crucified!"

^{24 Ref} So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it."

^{25 Ref} All the people answered, "May his blood be on us, and on our children!"

^{26 Ref} Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.