One described as a 'robber' in John 18:40; 'a notable prisoner' in Matthew 27:16-26 : he had made an insurrection and had committed murder. Mark 15:7-15 . Yet the Jews, led by the chief priests and elders, requested the release of this man rather than the release of the Lord Jesus. Why they petitioned for this particularprisoner is not known; but it manifests in the most decided manner their ungodliness that they could choose such a notoriously wicked man in preference to the Lord of life and glory, their Messiah. Luke 23:18 . Peter did not fail to charge this home upon the Jews, "Ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you." Acts 3:14 .