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.
