John Gill Reformed Baptist @doctorgill

When Pilate saw he could prevail nothing,.... That it was to no purpose to talk to them, and in favour of Jesus; he saw they were determined upon his crucifixion, and that nothing else would satisfy them: but that rather a tumult was made; there was an uproar among the people, and he might fear the consequences of it, should he not grant their request...

Albert Barnes Presbyterian @notesbybarnes

Verse 23. And the governor said, Why? Luke informs us that Pilate put this question to them three times, so anxious was he to release him. He affirmed that he had found no cause of death in him. He said, therefore, that he would chastise him, and let him go.