(25) Whom they had desired.--Better, whom they were asking for. The tense is imperfect, not pluperfect, and implies that the cries were still continuing.

23:13-25 The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.And he released unto them, him,.... Barabbas, who is not named, as being a detestable person, and unworthy to be named; and is therefore described by the infamous, though just character of him, as follows:

that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, as in Luke 23:19

whom they had desired; to be granted to them, and released; see Acts 3:14

but he delivered Jesus to their will; to do as they would with him, to mock, and scourge, and crucify him.