Barabbas was a notorious robber imprisoned at the time Jesus was arrested. At that time, it was customary during the Passover to release one prisoner, and the Jewish people requested that Barabbas be released instead of Jesus.
Matt 27:16At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Barabbas.Matt 27:17So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”Matt 27:18For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up.Matt 27:19Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much today in a dream because of him.”Matt 27:20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.Matt 27:21The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”Matt 27:22Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”Matt 27:23And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”Matt 27:24So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”Matt 27:25And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”Matt 27:26Then he released for them Barabbas, but after flogging Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Luke 23:18But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—Luke 23:19a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.
John 18:40They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.