"But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people, that they should ask Barabbas, and make Jesus away. And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas. . . . Then he released to them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be crucified."—(St. Matt., XXVII, 20, 21, 26.)