Matthew 27:15-23

New Catholic Bible

¹⁵ Jesus Is Sentenced to Death. Now on the occasion of the feast, the governor’s custom was to release to the people one prisoner whom they had designated. ¹⁶ At that particular time, they had in custody a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. ¹⁷ Therefore, after the people had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which man do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Christ?” ¹⁸ For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over.

¹⁹ While he was still seated on the judge’s bench, his wife sent him a message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man. I have been greatly troubled today by a dream that I had about him.”^[a]

²⁰ Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders had persuaded the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. ²¹ Therefore, when the governor asked them, “Which of the two men do you want me to release to you?” they shouted, “Barabbas!” ²² Pilate asked them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them shouted, “Let him be crucified!” ²³ He asked, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they only screamed all the louder, “Let him be crucified!”