According to the gospels, it was the custom of the Roman Governor to release one prisoner at Passover. Pilate brought out Barabbas, identified by Matthew as a “notorious prisoner” and as a “murderer” by Mark, and told the crowd to choose between releasing Barabbas or Jesus as per the custom. This was in the hopes of getting the crowd to request the release of Jesus. However, the crowd demanded the release of Barabbas and said of Jesus, “Crucify him!” In Matthew, Pilate responds, “Why? What evil has he done?” The crowd continued shouting, “Crucify him!” http://www.romeacrosseurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Ecce-homo-300x230.jpg