Study Desk

Then^(a) their whole assembly rose up and brought Him before Pilate.

They began to accuse Him, saying, "We found this man subverting our nation, opposing payment of taxes^(b) to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is the Messiah, a King."

So Pilate asked Him,^(c) "Are You the King of the Jews?"^(d) He answered him, "You have said it." ^[a]

Pilate then told the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no grounds^(e) for charging this man."

But they kept insisting, "He stirs up the people,^(f) teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee^(g) where He started even to here."

When Pilate^(h) heard this,^[b] he asked if the man was a Galilean.

Finding that He was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod,⁽ⁱ⁾ who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle^[c] performed by Him.

So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him.^(j)

The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him.

Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked^(k) Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe,^(l) and sent Him back to Pilate.

That very day Herod and Pilate became friends.^[d](m) Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.

Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people,⁽ⁿ⁾

and said to them, "You have brought me this man as one who subverts the people.^(o) But in fact, after examining Him in your presence, I have found no grounds^(p) to charge this man with those things you accuse Him of.

Neither has Herod, because he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He has done nothing to deserve death.

Therefore, I will have Him whipped^[e](q) and then release Him."

[For according to the festival he had to release someone to them.]^[f](r)

Then^(s) they all cried out together, "Take this man away!^(t) Release Barabbas to us!"

(He had been thrown into prison for a rebellion that had taken place in the city, and for murder.)

Pilate, wanting to release Jesus,^(u) addressed them again,

but they kept shouting, "Crucify! Crucify Him!"

A third time he said to them, "Why? What has this man done wrong?^(v) I have found in Him no grounds^(w) for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have Him whipped and then release Him."

But they kept up the pressure, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And their voices^[g] won out.

So^(x) Pilate decided to grant their demand^(y)

and released the one they were asking for, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and murder. But he handed Jesus over to their will.^(z)