15 nor Herod either, for I remitted you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done by him. 16 Having chastised him therefore, I will release him. 17 ( Now he was obliged to release one for them at the feast.) 18 But they cried out in a mass saying, Away with this [man] and release Barabbas to us; 19 who was one who, for a certain tumult which had taken place in the city, and [for] murder, had been cast into prison. 20 Pilate therefore, desirous to release Jesus, again addressed [them]. 21 But they cried out in reply saying, Crucify, crucify him. 22 And he said the third time to them, What evil then has this [man] done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will chastise him therefore and release him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:15-22
Commentary on Luke 23:13-25
(Read Luke 23:13-25)
The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.