12. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.
13. Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,
14. and said to them, “You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people. But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of.
15. Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death.
16. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.”
17. For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.
18. Then they all cried out together, “Take this man away! Release Barabbas to us! ”
19. (He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)
20. Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,
21. but they kept shouting, “Crucify! Crucify Him! ”
22. A third time he said to them, “Why? What has this man done wrong? I have found in Him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him.”
23. But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices won out.