Some of those who listened to the apostles had taken an active part in the condemnation and death of Christ. Their voices had mingled with the rabble in calling for His 43 crucifixion. When Jesus and Barabbas stood before them in the judgment hall and Pilate asked, "Whom will ye that I release unto you?" they had shouted, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!" Matthew 27:17; John 18:40. When Pilate delivered Christ to them, saying, "Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I find no fault in Him;" "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person," they had cried, "His blood be on us, and on our children." John 19:6; Matthew 27:24, 25.

Nogle af dem, der lyttede til apostlene, havde taget aktiv del i Kristi domfældelse og død. Deres stemmer havde blandet sig med pøbelens, da de krævede hans korsfæstelse. Da Jesus og Barabbas stod foran dem i domshallen, og Pilatus spurgte: "Hvem vil I, at jeg skal løslade jer: Barabbas eller Jesus, der kaldes Kristus?" havde de råbt: "Ikke ham, men Barabbas! Matt. 27,17. Joh. 18,40. Da Pilatus udleverede Jesus til dem og sagde: "Så tag I ham og korsfæst ham, for jeg finder ingen skyld hos ham;" og "Jeg er uskyldig i dennes blod," havde de råbt: "Hans blod komme over os og vore børn!" Joh. 19,6. Matt. 27,24-25.