Bible Verses About The Roman Empire: Power of life and death vested in its authorities

Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:

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?

They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee?