Meanwhile, Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him,

are you the king of the Jews? You have said so,

Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate

asked him, don't you hear the testimony they're bringing against you? But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge,

to the great amazement of the governor.

Now it was the governor's custom at the festival

to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd.

And at that time, they had a well-known prisoner

whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered,

Pilate asked them, which one do you want me to release to you? Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called

the Messiah, for he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

When Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him a message.

Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream

because of him. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have

Jesus executed.

Which of the two do you want me to release to you? asked the governor.

Barabbas, they answered.

What shall I do then with Jesus who is called the Messiah?

Pilot asked.

They all answered, crucify him.

Why, Pilate asked, what crime has he committed?

But they shouted all the louder, crucify him.

...