< Previous | Contents | Next >
41. But he well knew that the chief priests and elders had bribed the people by giving them copper, gold and silver, so they would plead for the release of Barabbas and the death of Jmmanuel.
42. For he well knew that they had turned him over out of envy and hatred, since his teachings appealed to the people.
43. His wife had also implored Pilate by saying, "Have nothing to do with this righteous man, for today I suffered greatly in my dreams because of him, and I find that his teachings are good." Therefore, he was favourably inclined toward Jmmanuel.
44. But among the people there was much screaming and he asked once again, "Which one shall I release to you?"
45. Slowly the screaming stopped, and the governor raised his voice a third time, asking, "Which one of these two shall I release?"
46. And the people screamed, "Release Barabbas!"
47. And Pilate asked them, "Thus it shall be, but what shall I do with him who is said to be Jmmanuel, a king of wisdom?"
48. And the people shouted, "Crucify him! Have him crucified!"
49. But the governor was not willing and asked very angrily, "What evil has he done that you want him crucified?
50. "He only taught a new doctrine, and for this he should suffer death? Where then is the freedom of speech, thought and opinion?"
51. But the people screamed even louder, "Have him crucified! Have him crucified!"
52. When Pilate realized there was great unrest and turmoil and that he could do nothing against the will of these people, who had been bribed, he took a pitcher of water and washed his hands before the people, saying,
53. "You decide what should be done with him.
54. "He is the prisoner of the elders and chief priests, so let them judge him:
55. "I will have nothing to do with this just man. I am innocent of doing anything to him and wash my hands before you in innocence."
56. But the people milled about, shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
57. Then Pilate turned Jmmanuel over to the chief priests and elders and released Barabbas to the people.
58. And the chief priests and elders had Jmmanuel whipped and handed him over to be crucified.
59. The people screamed and shouted and cursed Jmmanuel.
60. However the chief priests and elders indulged themselves in self- praise and were in good spirits because their intrigue had been successful.