The Crowd Chooses Barabbas (MAT 27:15-23)

[27:15] Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted.

[27:16] And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.

[27:17] So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

[27:18] For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.

[27:19] Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

[27:20] Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

[27:21] The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

[27:22] Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”

[27:23] And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”