This is background information about why Jesus was handed over to Pilate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
# it was because of envy that the chief priests
They envied Jesus, probably because so many people were following him and becoming his disciples. AT: "the chief priests were envious of Jesus. This is why they" or "the chief priests were envious of Jesus' popularity among the people. This is why they" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
# stirred up the crowd
The author speaks of the chief priests rousing or urging the crowd as if the crowd were a bowl of something that they were stirring. AT: "roused the crowd" or "urged the crowd" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
# released instead
They requested Barabbas to be released instead of Jesus. AT: "released instead of Jesus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])