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

Pilate therefore said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” Therefore the Judeans said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,”

But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?”