13. Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people.
14. He said to them, "You brought me this man. You said he was turning the people against the authorities. I have questioned him in front of you. I have found no basis for your charges against him.
15. Herod hasn't either. So he sent Jesus back to us. As you can see, Jesus has done nothing that is worthy of death.
16-17. So I will just have him whipped and let him go."
18. With one voice the crowd cried out, "Kill this man! Give Barabbas to us!"
19. Barabbas had been thrown into prison. He had taken part in a struggle in the city against the authorities. He had also committed murder.
20. Pilate wanted to let Jesus go. So he made an appeal to the crowd again.