Part 9 (2/2)

[26] Peter then denied again: and immediately the c.o.c.k crew.

[27] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the c.o.c.k crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

[28] The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

[29] Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

[30] Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

[31] And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

[32] Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

[33] And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were a.s.sembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

[34] And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

[35] For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

[36] And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, [37] We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

[38] But neither so did their witness agree together.

[39] And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

[40] But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

[41] And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: [42] And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.

[43] Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of G.o.d? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

[44] Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

[45] Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

[46] And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

[47] Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the pa.s.sover.

[48] Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

[49] They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

[50] Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: [51] Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

[52] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

[53] Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

[54] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

[55] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

[56] Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

[57] And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

[58] Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

[59] When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean.

[60] And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

[61] And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

[62] Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

[63] And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

[64] And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

[65] And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

[66] And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, [67] Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: [68] No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

[69] I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

CHAPTER 17.

[1] Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

[2] And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

[3] Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

[4] For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

[5] When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

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