en_tn_condensed/mat/27/15.md

Now

This word is used here to mark a pause in the story so Matthew can give information to help the reader understand what happens beginning in Matthew 27:17. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

the festival

This is the Passover celebration.

prisoner chosen by the crowd

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "prisoner whom the crowd would choose" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)