Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 27:17

"When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" — Matthew 27:17 (ASV)

Whom will you have me release to you? —This, we must remember, was all but the last attempt of Pilate to shift from himself the dreaded burden of responsibility.