20 Pilate again then—wishing to release Jesus—called to them, 21 but they were calling out, saying, 'Crucify, crucify him.' 22 And he a third time said unto them, 'Why, what evil did he? no cause of death did I find in him; having chastised him, then, I will release 'him'.' 23 And they were pressing with loud voices asking him to be crucified, and their voices, and those of the chief priests, were prevailing, 24 and Pilate gave judgment for their request being done, 25 and he released him who because of sedition and murder hath been cast into the prison, whom they were asking, and Jesus he gave up to their will.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:20-25
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.