Thematic Bible: Kings and other rulers as


Thematic Bible









Meanwhile Jesus was brought before the Roman Governor. "Are you the King of the Jews?" asked the Governor. "It is true," answered Jesus. While charges were being brought against him by the Chief Priests and Councillors, Jesus made no reply. Then Pilate said to him: "Do not you hear how many accusations they are making against you?" read more.
Yet Jesus made no reply--not even a single word; at which the Governor was greatly astonished. Now, at the Feast, the Governor was accustomed to grant the people the release of any one prisoner whom they might choose. At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So, when the people had collected, Pilate said to them: "Which do you wish me to release for you? Barabbas? Or Jesus who is called 'Christ'?" For he knew that it was out of jealousy that they had given Jesus up to him. While he was still on the Bench, his wife sent this message to him--"Do not have anything to do with that good man, for I have been very unhappy to-day in a dream on account of him." But the Chief Priests and the Councillors persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, and to kill Jesus. The Governor, however, said to them: "Which of these two do you wish me to release for you?" "Barabbas," they answered. "What then," Pilate asked, "shall I do with Jesus who is called 'Christ'?" "Let him be crucified," they all replied. "Why, what harm has he done?" he asked. But they kept shouting furiously: "Let him be crucified!" When Pilate saw that his efforts were unavailing, but that, on the contrary, a riot was beginning, he took some water, and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying as he did so: "I am not answerable for this bloodshed; you must see to it yourselves." And all the people answered: "His blood be on our heads and on our children's!" The Pilate released Barabbas to them; but Jesus he scourged, and gave him up to be crucified.

As soon as Felix had read the letter, he enquired to what province Paul belonged, and, learning that he came from Cilicia, he said: "I will hear all you have to say as soon as your accusers have arrived." And he ordered Paul to be kept under guard in Herod's Government House.

If, however, I am breaking the law and have committed any offence deserving death, I do not ask to escape the penalty; but, if there is nothing in the accusations of these people, no one has the power to give me up to them. I appeal to the Emperor." Upon that, Festus, after conferring with his Council, answered: "You have appealed to the Emperor; to the Emperor you shall go."