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Atomic Bible
Luke 23:16
Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”
from The Crowd Chooses Barabbas, Luke 23:13-25
What it says

Pilate says he will punish Jesus and then release him.

What it is doing

Pilate attempts a compromise between guilt and release.

In context

13Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 18But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) 20Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again, 21but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” 22A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.” 23But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed. 24So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. 25As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.