Pages 123 through 144 Summary

The governor retires and moves back to Rome, taking members of his household with him. Barabbas is among them, though he's old and not really a useful person. The governor instead includes Barabbas in the move out of "sentiment," because Barabbas had allowed Jesus' name to be scratched off the back of his medallion. The governor takes that as a sign of loyalty that should be rewarded. The author notes that "no one could believe that Barabbas' master was so considerate and unforgetful."

Barabbas lives in the basement with the other slaves but knows that the house is grand. Though others are amazed at the mass of people, Barabbas hates the throngs and sees everything through a mist. He sees religious processions to the various gods. At a temple door one day, Barabbas asks someone about one of the processions and...