《新约》中的囚犯或罪人，在耶稣钉死于十字架之前被释放以取悦暴民。巴拉巴在四部〈福音书〉中皆有提及，被描述为小偷或造反者。依照逾越节之前视人民需要选出一名囚犯加以释放的习俗，彼拉多建议宽恕耶稣，但群众抗议，要求释放巴拉巴。结果彼拉多让步，而把耶稣处死。

 In the New Testament, a prisoner or criminal freed to
please the mob before the crucifixion of Jesus. Described as a thief or an
insurrectionist, Barabbas is mentioned in all four Gospels. Following the custom
of setting free one prisoner chosen by popular demand before Passover, Pontius
Pilate suggested pardoning Jesus, but the crowd protested and demanded the
release of Barabbas. Pilate gave in and sent Jesus to his death.

　

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