Luke 23:1-25

1Then the entire assembly got up and brought Yeshua to Pilate.

2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar and saying that He Himself is Messiah—a king.”

3So Pilate questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “As you say,” Yeshua replied.

4Then Pilate said to the ruling kohanim and the crowds, “I find no case against this Man.”

5But they kept insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, starting from the Galilee to as far as here.”

6But when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.

7And when he learned that Yeshua was from Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

8Now Herod was overjoyed when he saw Yeshua, for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle done by Him.

9He was questioning Yeshua on many issues, but Yeshua did not answer at all.

10And the ruling kohanim and the Torah scholars stood their ground, strongly accusing Him.

11Now Herod together with his soldiers were treating Him with contempt and mocking Him. They put splendid clothing on Him and sent Him back to Pilate.

12And Herod and Pilate became friends with one another from that very day, for previously they had been enemies with one another.

13Now Pilate called together the ruling kohanim, the leaders, and the people.

14And he said to them, “You brought this Man to me as one who incites the people to revolt. But having examined Him in your presence, I have found no case against this Man regarding what you accuse Him of doing.

15Nor did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Indeed, He has done nothing that is worthy of death.

16Therefore I will scourge Him and release Him.”

17[footnote: Some mss. add: Now Pilate needed to release one prisoner to them at the feast.]

18But they shouted out all together, saying, “Take this fellow away! Release to us Bar-Abba!”

19(He was someone who had been thrown into prison for a rebellion in the city and murder.)

20Again Pilate addressed them, wanting to release Yeshua;

21but they kept shouting out, saying, “Execute, execute Him!”

22And a third time he spoke to them, “Why? What evil has this One done? I have found in Him no fault deserving of death. Therefore, I will scourge and release Him.”

23But they were insistent, demanding with loud shouts that He be executed. And their voices prevailed.

24So Pilate decreed that their demand be put into effect.

25And He released the one they were asking for, the one thrown in jail for insurrection and murder. But he handed over Yeshua to their will.