At that time a man named Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder in the riot.

The whole crowd cried out, "Kill him! Set Barabbas free for us!"

(Barabbas had been put in prison for a riot that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

He set free the man they wanted, the one who had been put in prison for riot and murder, and he handed Jesus over for them to do as they wished.

They answered him with a shout, "No, not him! We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a bandit.)

He was holy and good, but you rejected him, and instead you asked Pilate to do you the favor of turning loose a murderer.

They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.