Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 23:17-20

"[Now he must needs release unto them at the feast one prisoner.] But they cried out all together, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: -- one who for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison. And Pilate spake unto them again, desiring to release Jesus;" — Luke 23:17-20 (ASV)

(For of necessity he must release one to them at the feast).

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison). Pilate, therefore, willing to release Jesus, spoke again to them.

He seems to have gone backward and forward many times, desiring to save the life of Christ, but not having the moral courage to do it.