Jesus before Herod
6 Hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean.
7
When he learned that Jesus was from Herod's district, Pilate sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8
Herod was very glad to see Jesus, for he had heard about Jesus and had wanted to see him for quite some time. He was hoping to see Jesus perform some sign.
9
Herod questioned Jesus at length, but Jesus didn't respond to him.
10
The chief priests and the legal experts were there, fiercely accusing Jesus.
11
Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt. Herod mocked him by dressing Jesus in elegant clothes and sent him back to Pilate.
12
Pilate and Herod became friends with each other that day. Before this, they had been enemies.
Jesus and Barabbas
13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people.
14
He said to them, "You brought this man before me as one who was misleading the people. I have questioned him in your presence and found nothing in this man's conduct that provides a legal basis for the charges you have brought against him.
15
Neither did Herod, because Herod returned him to us. He's done nothing that deserves death.
16
Therefore, I'll have him whipped, then let him go."