15 Now from festival to festival, it was the custom of the governor to release a prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted.+ 16 Just at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Bar·abʹbas. 17 So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them: “Which one do you want me to release to you, Bar·abʹbas or Jesus the so-called Christ?” 18 For Pilate was aware that out of envy they had handed him over.

39 Moreover, you have a custom that I should release a man to you at the Passover.+ So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”