Pardoned instead of Christ, Barabbas is haunted for the rest of his life. After watching his former lover, Rachel, being stoned to death for her belief in Jesus, Barabbas returns to his life of thievery. Arrested again, he is sent to the sulphur mines and then to gladiator school where he witnesses yet another friend give his life in the name of the Nazarene. It is only at the end, when Barabbas himself faces crucifixion, that he discovers his faith.