[Cincinatus]

CRUCIFIXTION was a ROMAN method of execution.

True enough, although the remains of crucified victims have been found throughout the ancient world, among many different civilizations.

The fact is that both the Romans and the local Jews had ample reasons to want to be rid of Jesus. For the Romans, he was a political troublemaker and they wouldn't think twice about executing someone for this. For the Jewish establishment, he was a religious troublemaker, but it was easier to hand him over to the Romans for disposal than it was to conduct a contentious trial over blasphemy charges, especially one that they might well lose (Jesus had already shown his talent for debate with other rabbis).

[Just mythoughts]

"talent for debate" it says he read their thoughts.

Who did this religious bunch demand to be released in place of Christ? Christ never sinned but what did this character do?

Based upon what has been posted through out, think another reading of who, what, when, and where about the death of Christ is called for, let the "WORD" speak for its self.

After all it is written, that Christ would be a stumbling block for many. Little late in that hour glass of time to be worried about offending man. "It is written", "have you not read?" "I have foretold you all things."