John 19... Jesus has been arrested by the Pharisees and chief priests and is brought
before Pilate, who interrogates Him. He, Pilate goes out to the crowd to tell them
that he finds no fault in Jesus for anything, but he says in 18:39, “you have a custom that I should release someone to you
at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the
Jews?” 40 But they all cried out, saying, “Not
this Man, but Barabbas!” Barabbas was a notorious insurrectionist and
murderer no doubt awaiting death himself. So reluctantly, Pilate releases
Barabbas and brings Jesus back inside, and had the soldiers scourge Him, and
punch Him, and mock Him with the crown of thorns.
