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PER345
The release of a prisoner
During the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor tries to use the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner in order to avoid condemning Jesus. He offers the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal, convinced that the people will make the right choice. His wife's intervention strengthens his hesitation. This scene, attested by all four gospels, illustrates the manipulation by the religious authorities and theologically prefigures redemptive substitution.
John 19.15 (King James Version) :But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Cæsar.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org