John 18:38-40

3. The Jews’ request for Barabbas 18:38b-40 (cf. Matthew 27:12-21; Mark 15:3-11; Luke 23:4-19)

John condensed the scene in which Pilate declared Jesus innocent, the Jews accused Jesus further, Jesus replied nothing, and Pilate marveled at Jesus’ silence (Matthew 27:12-14; Mark 15:3-5; Luke 23:4-6). He simply related Pilate’s verdict (John 18:38 b). John also omitted the account of Jesus’ appearance before Herod Antipas that followed this verdict and preceded Pilate’s offer to release Barabbas in Jesus’ place (Luke 23:6-12). The result of this selection of material is that John kept the focus of the reader’s attention on Jesus and Pilate.