Matthew 27:16-26

16At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.

17So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you — Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

18For he knew it was because of envy that they had handed him over.

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.”

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 Christ?” They all answered, “Crucify him!”

23Then he said, “Why? What has he done wrong?” But they kept shouting all the more, “Crucify him!”

24When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but 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. See to it yourselves!”

25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

26Then he released Barabbas to them and, after having Jesus flogged, handed him over to be crucified.