Pilate resented a jeering mob and tried to establish order.
He commanded men to assume positions in the Babbatha yard. Calling several priests, he said, shouting at them:
“You have brought this man before me. You say he perverts the people. I find no fault in him. I will punish him and release him.”
He sat on his tribunal chair, his wife beside him. Raising his hand he resumed:
“I will free a man. Who will it be? Barabbas? Do you want Barabbas free or Christ? Choose your man.”
“Barabbas...Barabbas,” the priests shouted, and the crowd repeated his name, a man known for his crimes.
“What shall I do with Jesus?”
“Crucify him...crucify him.”
“What has he done?”
The crowd answered: “Crucify him.”