Part 256 (1/2)

And they all condemned him to be worthy of death.

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his eyes, and {270} to buffet him, and to say unto him, ”Prophesy who is it that smote thee,”

and the officers received him with blows of their hands.

_How Peter Denied His Lord_.

But Peter had followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the court, and had sat down together, Peter sat in the midst of them. And a certain maid seeing him as he sat in the light of the fire, and looking steadfastly upon him, said, ”This man also was with him.”

But he denied, saying, ”Woman, I know him not.”

And after a little while another saw him, and said, ”Thou also art one of them.”

But Peter said, ”Man, I am not.”

And after the s.p.a.ce of about one hour another confidently affirmed, saying, ”Of a truth this man also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.”

But Peter said, ”Man, I know not what thou sayest.” And immediately, while he yet spoke, the c.o.c.k crew.

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said unto him, ”Before the c.o.c.k crow this day, thou shalt deny me thrice.”

And he went out, and wept bitterly.

_The Trial Before the Jewish Court_.

As soon as it was day, the a.s.sembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and {271} scribes; and they led him away into their council, saying, ”If thou art the Christ, tell us.”

But he said unto them, ”If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I ask you, ye will not answer. But from henceforth shall the Son of man be seated at the right hand of the power of G.o.d.”

And they all said, ”Art thou then the Son of G.o.d?”

And he said unto them, ”Ye say that I am.”

And they said. ”What further need have we of witness? for we ourselves have heard from his own mouth.”

{272}

VIII

THE JUDGMENT

_How the Lord Jesus Was Unjustly Condemned to Die_.

_The Hearing Before Pilate_.

They led Jesus therefore into the palace: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the palace, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the pa.s.sover. Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, ”What accusation bring ye against this man?”

They answered and said unto him, ”If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.”