Answer: Pilate tried to set Jesus free, (verse 12).
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Pilate pronounced three times that Jesus was innocent--that there were no charges that could be brought against Him. He even offered the Jews a way to save face by "choosing" to free Jesus themselves. They could choose between Jesus and a rebel and murderer named Barabbas. Whichever prisoner they chose would be released, as was their custom to do at the time of the Passover. The Jews still refused to back down in their false charges against Jesus, but pressured Pilate even more to order His crucifixion. The Jews let Pilate know that if he freed Jesus, there was the real threat that he (Pilate) would be accused before Caesar of freeing a traitor to Rome. Pilate's record of cruelty and brutality was such that he could not face such an accusation without real concern.
It is ironic that the man the Jews wanted released in place of Jesus, Barabbas, knew no Truth. He was a rebel and murderer. He had taken part in a rebellion, (John 18:40). This was one of the false charges of which the Jews were accusing Jesus, (John 19:12).
Another irony here is that the name "Barabbas," an Aramaic name, means "son of Abba," which is "son of the father." In place of this man, Barabbas, the "Son of the Father"--Jesus Christ--died.
