Charles Ellicott Commentary John 18:39

"But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?" — John 18:39 (ASV)

At the Passover.—Compare Excursus F: The Day of the Crucifixion of our Lord.

The King of the Jews.—These words are of course said in mockery, but not at Jesus who was still in the palace. They seem to mean, “This is your king; Such is your national subjection, that He is bound in the Praetorium of the Roman governor. Shall I release Him to you?”