Jesus before Pilate
1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.
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And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”
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So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
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Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
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But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
Jesus before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
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And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.
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When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.
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Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.
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Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.
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And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.
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That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,
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and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.
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Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.
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Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”
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But they all cried out in unison: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”
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(Barabbas had been imprisoned for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
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Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate addressed them again,
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but they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
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A third time he said to them, “What evil has this man done? I have found in Him no offense worthy of death. So after I punish Him, I will release Him.”
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But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed.
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So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met.
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As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over to their will.