‘And Pilate answered them saying, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” For he realised that the chief priests had delivered him up out of envy.'
In his desire to release Jesus Whom he recognised as innocent, and possibly overhearing the name ‘Jesus' being mentioned by the crowds as a contender for release, Pilate made the effort to have Him set free. He probably thought that someone acknowledged by the Chief Priests to be a ‘king of the Jews' must be popular with this turbulent population. But the problem with this attempt was, of course, that by it Pilate was acceding to the suggestion that He might be guilty. It made clear that his resolution was faltering.
‘Out of envy.' Because they were jealous of His influence over the people and the following He had obtained. Pilate was not a fool and recognised their motives.