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Before Pilate

16. Jmmanuel, however, was brought before Pilate, the governor, who asked him, "Are you Jmmanuel, whom they call the King of Wisdom?"

17. He said, "As you say. This is what the people call me.

18. And Pilate asked and spoke, "Is it also said that you were begotten by the angel Gabriel, who is an angel of God?"

19. But he said, "As you say.”

20. Pilate inquired once again, saying, "Let us hear your wisdom, for your teachings are new to me.

21. Jmmanuel spoke, "Behold, aeons ago, I returned from the realm of a higher world in order to fulfil a difficult task; and now I was begotten by a celestial son to be a prophet in this life. This came to pass according to destiny and the desire of god, the ruler over the three lineages of terrestrial humans procreated by him.

22. "Through his kindness, I have added to my knowledge in this incarnation by gaining great insight and learning true wisdom, which was imparted to me by his teachers over a period of forty days and forty nights.

23. "Furthermore, I have travelled extensively to faraway places and lived for many years in the land of India. There I was taught much knowledge and many secrets by the great wise and knowledgeable men who are known as masters.

24. "When I have fulfilled my mission here, I will return there with Thomas, my brother, who is a faithful disciple of mine.

25. When they heard Jmmanuel's speech, the elders and chief priests became very agitated and shouted in front of Pilate, "Do you hear his blasphemy?"

26. Thereupon Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear how harshly they accuse you? Don't you wish to justify yourself?"

27. Jmmanuel answered him, saying, "Behold, I will carry my burden as it is destined.

28. "But it is also true that many do oppose me and will testify falsely against me, whence I will not find justice.

29. "Truly, I say to you, many dogs will kill a hare, regardless of how many turns it makes.

30. "It is also customary among humans that the most righteous person does not find justice, because it doesn't matter whether many or few testify against him, as long as they are highly regarded.

31. "Justice rules only in the laws of nature, because they are the laws of Creation.

32. "But among humans there is little justice, and it is decided according to their social status and their wealth.

33. "Therefore I ask you, how could I expect justice by this standard?"

34. Pilate said, "Judging from the way you speak, you are very wise and I see no fault in you.

35. "I question the teaching you just uttered, but in this, too, I see no guilt, for everyone should find salvation according to their faith.

36. "But since you have nothing to say regarding your innocence that would counter the denunciation of the chief priests and the elders, I see no hope for you, because their will is my command, to which I must be pliant."

37. But Jmmanuel did not answer him, which surprised the governor very much.

The Conviction Of Jmmanuel

38. At the time of the Passover feast, Governor Pilate customarily released to the people whichever prisoner they most wanted, except for those guilty of murder or of causing death.

39. At this time he held a special prisoner by the name of Barabbas.

40. And when the people were gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release: Barabbas, the criminal, or Jmmanuel, who is said to be a king of wisdom and the son of an angel?"