Sunday, February 3, 2019

Christ On Trial.


CHAPTER 8  (The Great Controversy)

The Trial of Christ

The angels as they left heaven, in sadness laid off their glittering crowns.  They could not wear them while their commander was suffering, and was to wear a crown of thorns.  Satan and his angels were busy in that judgment hall to destroy humanity and sympathy.  The very atmosphere was heavy and polluted by their influence.  The chief priests and elders were inspired by them to abuse and insult Jesus, in a manner the most difficult for human nature to bear.  Satan hoped that such insult and sufferings would call forth from the Son of God some complaint or murmur; or that he would manifest his divine power, and wrench himself from the grasp of the multitude, and thus the plan of salvation at last fail.

Peter followed his Lord after his betrayal.  He was anxious to see what would be done with Jesus.  And when he was accused of being one of his disciples, he denied it.  He was afraid of his life, and when charged with being one of them, he declared that he knew not the man.  The disciples were noted for the purity of their words, and Peter, to deceive, and convince them that he was not one of Christ’s disciples, denied it the third time with cursing and swearing.  Jesus, who was some distance from Peter, turned a sorrowful reproving gaze upon him.  Then he remembered the words which Jesus had spoken to him in the upper chamber, and also his zealous assertion, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.  He denied his Lord, even with cursing and swearing; but that look of Jesus melted Peter at once, and saved him.  He bitterly wept and repented of his great sin, and was converted, and then was prepared to strengthen his brethren.

The multitude were clamorous for the blood of Jesus.  They cruelly scourged him, and put an old purple, kingly robe upon him, and bound his sacred head with a crown of thorns.  They put a reed in his hand, and mockingly bowed to him, and saluted him with, Hail king of the Jews!  They then took the reed from his hand, and smote him with it upon the head, causing the thorns to penetrate his temples, sending the trickling blood down his face and beard.

It was difficult for the angels to endure the sight.  They would have delivered Jesus out of their hands; but the commanding angels forbade them, and said that it was a great ransom that was to be paid for man; but it would be complete, and would cause the death of him who had the power of death.  Jesus knew that angels were witnessing the scene of his humiliation.  I saw that the feeblest angel could have caused that multitude to fall powerless, and delivered Jesus.  He knew that if he should desire it of his Father, angels would instantly release him.  But it was necessary that Jesus should suffer many things of wicked men, in order to carry out the plan of salvation.

There stood Jesus, meek and humble before the infuriated multitude, while they offered him the meanest abuse.  They spit in his face -- that face which they will one day desire to be hid from, which will give light to the city of God, and shine brighter than the sun -- but not an angry look did he cast upon the offenders.  He meekly raised his hand, and wiped it off.  They covered his head with an old garment; blindfolded him, and then struck him in the face, and cried out, Prophesy unto us who it was that smote thee.  There was commotion among the angels. They would have rescued him instantly; but their commanding angel restrained them.

The disciples had gained confidence to enter where Jesus was, and witness his trial.  They expected that he would manifest his divine power, and deliver himself from the hands of his enemies, and punish them for their cruelty towards him.  Their hopes would rise and fall as the different scenes transpired.  Sometimes they doubted, and feared they had been deceived.  But the voice heard at the mount of transfiguration, and the glory they there witnessed, strengthened them that he was the Son of God.  They called to mind the exciting scenes which they had witnessed, the miracles they had seen Jesus do in healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the deaf ears, rebuking and casting out devils, raising the dead to life, and even rebuking the wind, and it obeyed him.  They could not believe that he would die.  They hoped he would yet rise in power, and with his commanding voice disperse that blood-thirsty multitude, as when he entered the temple and drove out those who were making the house of God a place of merchandise; when they fled before him, as though a company of armed soldiers were pursuing them.  The disciples hoped that Jesus would manifest his power, and convince all that he was the King of Israel.

Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at his treacherous act in betraying Jesus.  And when he witnessed the abuse he suffered, he was overcome.  He had loved Jesus, but loved money more.  He did not think that Jesus would suffer himself to be taken by the mob which he had led on.  He thought that Jesus would work a miracle, and deliver himself from them.  But when he saw the infuriated multitude in the judgment hall, thirsting for his blood, he deeply felt his guilt, and while many were vehemently accusing Jesus, Judas rushed through the multitude, confessing that he had sinned in betraying innocent blood.  He offered them the money, and begged of them to release Jesus, declaring that he was entirely innocent.  Vexation and confusion kept the priests for a short time silent.  They did not wish the people to know that they had hired one of Jesus’ professed followers to betray him into their hands.  Their hunting Jesus like a thief and taking him secretly, they wished to hide.  But the confession of Judas, his haggard and guilty appearance, exposed the priests before the multitude, showing that it was hatred that had caused them to take Jesus.  As Judas loudly declared Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, What is that to us? See thou to that.  They had Jesus in their power, and they were determined to make sure of him.  Judas, overwhelmed with anguish, threw the money that he now despised at the feet of those who had hired him, and in anguish and horror at his crime, went and hung himself.

Jesus had many sympathizers in that company, and his answering nothing to the many questions put to him amazed the throng.  To all the insults and mockery not a frown, not a troubled expression was upon his features.  He was dignified and composed.  He was of perfect and noble form.  The spectators looked upon him with wonder.  They compared his perfect form, his firm, dignified bearing, with those who sat in judgment against him, and said to one another that he appeared more like a king to be entrusted with a kingdom than any of the rulers.  He bore no marks of being a criminal.  His eye was mild, clear and undaunted, his forehead broad and high.  Every feature was strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle.  His patience and forbearance were so unlike man, that many trembled.

Even Herod and Pilate were greatly troubled at his noble, God-like bearing.

Pilate from the first was convicted that he was no common man, but an excellent character.  He believed him to be entirely innocent.  The angels who were witnessing the whole scene noticed the convictions of Pilate, and marked his sympathy and compassion for Jesus; and to save him from engaging in the awful act of delivering Jesus to be crucified, an angel was sent to Pilate’s wife, and gave her information through a dream that it was the Son of God in whose trial Pilate was engaged, and that he was an innocent sufferer.  She immediately sent word to Pilate that she had suffered many things in a dream on account of Jesus, and warned him to have nothing to do with that holy man.  The messenger bearing the communication pressed hastily through the crowd, and handed it to Pilate.  As he read it he trembled and turned pale.  He at once thought he would have nothing to do in the matter; that if they would have the blood of Jesus he would not give his influence to it, but would labor to deliver him.

When Pilate heard that Herod was at Jerusalem he was glad, and hoped to free himself from the disagreeable matter altogether, and have nothing to do in condemning Jesus. He sent him, with his accusers, to Herod.  Herod was hardened.  His murdering John left a stain upon his conscience which he could not free himself from, and when he heard of Jesus, and the mighty works done by him, he thought it was John risen from the dead.  He feared and trembled, for he bore a guilty conscience.  Jesus was placed in Herod’s hands by Pilate.  Herod considered this act an acknowledgment from Pilate of his power, authority and judgment.  They had previously been enemies, but then they were made friends.  Herod was glad to see Jesus, for he expected that he would work some mighty miracle for his satisfaction.  But it was not the work of Jesus to gratify his curiosity.  His divine and miraculous power was to be exercised for the salvation of others, but not in his own behalf.

Jesus answered nothing to the many questions put to him by Herod; neither did he regard his enemies who were vehemently accusing him.  Herod was enraged because Jesus did not appear to fear his power, and with his men of war, derided, mocked and abused the Son of God.  Herod was astonished at the noble, God-like appearance of Jesus, when shamefully abused, and feared to condemn him, and he sent him again to Pilate.

Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate, and trying to lead him on to his own ruin.  They suggested to him that if he did not take any part in condemning Jesus, others would; the multitude were thirsting for his blood; and if he did not deliver Jesus to be crucified, he would lose his power and worldly honor, and would be denounced as a believer on the impostor, as they termed him.  Pilate, through fear of losing his power and authority, consented to the death of Jesus.  And notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon his accusers, and the multitude received it, crying, His blood be on us and on our children, yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of the blood of Christ.  For his own selfish interest, and love of honor from the great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die.  If Pilate had followed his conviction, he would have had nothing to do with condemning Jesus.

The trial and condemnation of Jesus were working on the minds of many; and impressions were being made which were to appear after his resurrection; and many were to be added to the Church whose experience and conviction should be dated from the time of Jesus’ trial.

Satan’s rage was great as he saw that all the cruelty which he had led the chief priests to inflict on Jesus had not called forth from him the least murmur.  I saw that, although Jesus had taken man’s nature, a power and fortitude that was God-like sustained him, and he did not depart from the will of his Father in the least.

See Matthew 26:57-75, 27:1-31; Mark 14:53-72, 15:1-20; Luke 22:47-71, 23:1-25; John chap.18, 19:1-16

Mat 26:57  And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 
Mat 26:58  But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. 
Mat 26:59  Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 
Mat 26:60  But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 
Mat 26:61  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. 
Mat 26:62  And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 
Mat 26:63  But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 
Mat 26:64  Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 
Mat 26:65  Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. 
Mat 26:66  What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. 
Mat 26:67  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, 
Mat 26:68  Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? 

Mat 26:69  Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 
Mat 26:70  But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 
Mat 26:71  And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 
Mat 26:72  And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 
Mat 26:73  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 
Mat 26:74  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 
Mat 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 

Mat 27:1  When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 
Mat 27:2  And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 

Mat 27:3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 
Mat 27:4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 
Mat 27:5  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 
Mat 27:6  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 
Mat 27:7  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 
Mat 27:8  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 
Mat 27:9  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 
Mat 27:10  And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. 

Mat 27:11  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 
Mat 27:12  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 
Mat 27:13  Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 
Mat 27:14  And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 

Mat 27:15  Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 
Mat 27:16  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 
Mat 27:17  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? 
Mat 27:18  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 
Mat 27:19  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. 
Mat 27:20  But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 
Mat 27:21  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 
Mat 27:22  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 
Mat 27:23  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 

Mat 27:24  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 
Mat 27:25  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 
Mat 27:26  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 

Mat 27:27  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 
Mat 27:28  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 
Mat 27:29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 
Mat 27:30  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 
Mat 27:31  And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. 

Mar 14:53  And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 
Mar 14:54  And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. 
Mar 14:55  And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 
Mar 14:56  For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 
Mar 14:57  And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 
Mar 14:58  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. 
Mar 14:59  But neither so did their witness agree together. 
Mar 14:60  And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 
Mar 14:61  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? 
Mar 14:62  And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 
Mar 14:63  Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 
Mar 14:64  Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. 
Mar 14:65  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. 

Mar 14:66  And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: 
Mar 14:67  And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. 
Mar 14:68  But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. 
Mar 14:69  And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. 
Mar 14:70  And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. 
Mar 14:71  But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. 
Mar 14:72  And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept. 

Mar 15:1  And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. 
Mar 15:2  And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. 
Mar 15:3  And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. 
Mar 15:4  And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. 
Mar 15:5  But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. 

Mar 15:6  Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. 
Mar 15:7  And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. 
Mar 15:8  And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them. 
Mar 15:9  But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 
Mar 15:10  For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. 
Mar 15:11  But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. 
Mar 15:12  And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? 
Mar 15:13  And they cried out again, Crucify him. 
Mar 15:14  Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. 
Mar 15:15  And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. 

Mar 15:16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 
Mar 15:17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 
Mar 15:18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 
Mar 15:19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 
Mar 15:20  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Luk 22:47  And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 
Luk 22:48  But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 
Luk 22:49  When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 
Luk 22:50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 
Luk 22:51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 
Luk 22:52  Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 
Luk 22:53  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. 

Luk 22:54  Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. 
Luk 22:55  And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 
Luk 22:56  But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 
Luk 22:57  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 
Luk 22:58  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 
Luk 22:59  And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 
Luk 22:60  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. 
Luk 22:61  And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 
Luk 22:62  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. 

Luk 22:63  And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. 
Luk 22:64  And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? 
Luk 22:65  And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. 

Luk 22:66  And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, 
Luk 22:67  Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: 
Luk 22:68  And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. 
Luk 22:69  Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. 
Luk 22:70  Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. 
Luk 22:71  And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. 

Luk 23:1  And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. 
Luk 23:2  And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. 
Luk 23:3  And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. 
Luk 23:4  Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. 
Luk 23:5  And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 

Luk 23:6  When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 
Luk 23:7  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. 
Luk 23:8  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. 
Luk 23:9  Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 
Luk 23:10  And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 
Luk 23:11  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. 
Luk 23:12  And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. 
Luk 23:13  And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 
Luk 23:14  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: 
Luk 23:15  No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. 
Luk 23:16  I will therefore chastise him, and release him. 
Luk 23:17  (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) 

Luk 23:18  And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: 
Luk 23:19  (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) 
Luk 23:20  Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. 
Luk 23:21  But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. 
Luk 23:22  And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. 
Luk 23:23  And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. 
Luk 23:24  And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. 
Luk 23:25  And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will. 

Joh 18:1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. 
Joh 18:2  And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 
Joh 18:3  Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 
Joh 18:4  Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 
Joh 18:5  They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 
Joh 18:6  As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. 
Joh 18:7  Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 
Joh 18:8  Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 
Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 
Joh 18:10  Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 
Joh 18:11  Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? 

Joh 18:12  Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 
Joh 18:13  And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. 
Joh 18:14  Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. 

Joh 18:15  And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 
Joh 18:16  But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. 
Joh 18:17  Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. 
Joh 18:18  And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. 

Joh 18:19  The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 
Joh 18:20  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. 
Joh 18:21  Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 
Joh 18:22  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? 
Joh 18:23  Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 
Joh 18:24  Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 

Joh 18:25  And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. 
Joh 18:26  One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him? 
Joh 18:27  Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew. 

Joh 18:28  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 passover. 
Joh 18:29  Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? 
Joh 18:30  They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 
Joh 18:31  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: 
Joh 18:32  That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. 

Joh 18:33  Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 
Joh 18:34  Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 
Joh 18:35  Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 
Joh 18:36  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. 
Joh 18:37  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. 
Joh 18:38  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. 
Joh 18:39  But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 
Joh 18:40  Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. 

Joh 19:1  Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 
Joh 19:2  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 
Joh 19:3  And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. 
Joh 19:4  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. 
Joh 19:5  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! 
Joh 19:6  When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 
Joh 19:7  The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. 
Joh 19:8  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; 
Joh 19:9  And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 
Joh 19:10  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 
Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. 
Joh 19:12  And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 
Joh 19:13  When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 
Joh 19:14  And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 
Joh 19:15  But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. 

Joh 19:16  Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. 


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