Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Government » Mosaic » Constitutes, with priests and scribes, a court for the trial of both civil and ecclesiastical causes
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo much suffering, and that he must be rejected by the Councillors, and the Chief Priests, and the Teachers of the Law, and be put to death, and rise again after three days.
At daybreak all the Chief Priests and the Councillors of the Nation consulted together against Jesus, to bring about his death. They put him in chains and led him away, and gave him up to the Roman Governor, Pilate.
After Jesus had come into the Temple Courts, the Chief Priests and the Councillors of the Nation came up to him as he was teaching, and said: " What authority have you to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"
As soon as it was daylight, the Chief Priests, after holding a consultation with the Councillors and Teachers of the Law--that is to say, the whole High Council--put Jesus in chains, and took him away, and gave him up to Pilate.
Then the Chief Priests and the Councillors of the Nation met in the house of the High Priest, who was called Caiaphas, And plotted together to arrest Jesus by stealth and put him to death; But they said: "Not during the Festival, for fear of causing a riot."
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the Teachers of the Law and the Councillors had assembled. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the offices, to see the end. Meanwhile the Chief Priests and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such false evidence against Jesus, as would warrant putting him to death, read more.
But they did not find any, although many came forward with false evidence. Later on, however, two men came forward and said: "This man said 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.'" Then the High Priest stood up, and said to Jesus: "Have you no answer? What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent. On this the High Priest said to him: "I adjure you, by the Living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God." "It is true," Jesus answered; "Moreover I tell you all that hereafter you shall 'see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming on the clouds of the heavens.'" Then the High Priest tore his robes. "This is blasphemy!" he exclaimed. "Why do we want any more witnesses? You have just heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered: "He deserves death." Then they spat in his face, and struck him, while others dealt blows at him, saying as they did so: "Now play the Prophet for us, you Christ! Who was it that struck you?"
But they did not find any, although many came forward with false evidence. Later on, however, two men came forward and said: "This man said 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.'" Then the High Priest stood up, and said to Jesus: "Have you no answer? What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent. On this the High Priest said to him: "I adjure you, by the Living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God." "It is true," Jesus answered; "Moreover I tell you all that hereafter you shall 'see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming on the clouds of the heavens.'" Then the High Priest tore his robes. "This is blasphemy!" he exclaimed. "Why do we want any more witnesses? You have just heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered: "He deserves death." Then they spat in his face, and struck him, while others dealt blows at him, saying as they did so: "Now play the Prophet for us, you Christ! Who was it that struck you?"
And just then, while he was still speaking, Judas, who was one of the Twelve, came up; and with him a crowd of people, with swords and clubs, sent by the Chief Priests, the Teachers of the Law, and the Councillors. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The man whom I kiss," he had said, "will be the one; arrest him and take him away safely." As soon as Judas came, he went up to Jesus at once, and said: "Rabbi!" and kissed him. read more.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire. Meanwhile the Chief Priest and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such evidence against Jesus as would warrant his being put to death, but they could not find any; For, though there were many who gave false evidence against him, yet their evidence did not agree. Presently some men stood up, and gave this false evidence against him-- "We ourselves heard him say 'I will destroy this Temple made with hands, and in three days build another made without hands.'" Yet not even on that point did their evidence agree. Then the High Priest stood forward, and questioned Jesus. "Have you no answer to make?" he asked. "What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent, and made no answer. A second time the High Priest questioned him. "Are you," he asked, "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," replied Jesus, "and you shall all see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty; and 'coming in the clouds of heaven'." At this the High Priest tore his vestments. "Why do we want any more witnesses?" he exclaimed. "You heard his blasphemy? What is your verdict?" They all condemned him, declaring that he deserved death. Some of those present began to spit at him, and to blindfold his eyes, and strike him, saying, as they did so, "Now play the Prophet!" and even the police-officers received him with blows.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire. Meanwhile the Chief Priest and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such evidence against Jesus as would warrant his being put to death, but they could not find any; For, though there were many who gave false evidence against him, yet their evidence did not agree. Presently some men stood up, and gave this false evidence against him-- "We ourselves heard him say 'I will destroy this Temple made with hands, and in three days build another made without hands.'" Yet not even on that point did their evidence agree. Then the High Priest stood forward, and questioned Jesus. "Have you no answer to make?" he asked. "What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent, and made no answer. A second time the High Priest questioned him. "Are you," he asked, "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," replied Jesus, "and you shall all see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty; and 'coming in the clouds of heaven'." At this the High Priest tore his vestments. "Why do we want any more witnesses?" he exclaimed. "You heard his blasphemy? What is your verdict?" They all condemned him, declaring that he deserved death. Some of those present began to spit at him, and to blindfold his eyes, and strike him, saying, as they did so, "Now play the Prophet!" and even the police-officers received him with blows.
Then, turning to the Chief Priests and Officers in charge at the Temple and Councillors, who had come for him, he said: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the Temple Courts, you did not lay hands on me; but now your time has come, and the power of Darkness." Those who had taken Jesus prisoner took him away into the house of the High Priest. Peter followed at a distance. read more.
But, when they had lit a fire in the center of the court-yard and had all sat down there, Peter seated himself in the middle of them. Presently a maidservant saw him sitting near the blaze of the fire. Fixing her eyes on him, she said: "Why, this man was one of his companions!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know him," he replied. A little while afterwards some one else--a man--saw him and said: "Why, you are one of them!" "No," Peter said, "I am not." About an hour later another man declared positively: "This man also was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean!" But Peter said: "I do not know what you are speaking about." Instantly, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Master turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the words that the Master had said to him-- "Before a cock has crowed to-day, you will disown me three times"; And he went outside and wept bitterly. The men that held Jesus kept making sport of him and beating him. They blindfolded him and then questioned him. "Now play the Prophet," they said; "who was it that struck you?" And they heaped many other insults on him. At daybreak the National Council met--both the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law--and took Jesus before their High Council. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us so." "If I tell you," replied Jesus, "you will not believe me; And, if I question you, you will not answer. But from this hour 'the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of God Almighty.'" "Are you, then, the Son of God?" they all asked. "It is true," answered Jesus, "I am." At this they exclaimed: "Why do we want any more evidence? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
But, when they had lit a fire in the center of the court-yard and had all sat down there, Peter seated himself in the middle of them. Presently a maidservant saw him sitting near the blaze of the fire. Fixing her eyes on him, she said: "Why, this man was one of his companions!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know him," he replied. A little while afterwards some one else--a man--saw him and said: "Why, you are one of them!" "No," Peter said, "I am not." About an hour later another man declared positively: "This man also was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean!" But Peter said: "I do not know what you are speaking about." Instantly, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Master turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the words that the Master had said to him-- "Before a cock has crowed to-day, you will disown me three times"; And he went outside and wept bitterly. The men that held Jesus kept making sport of him and beating him. They blindfolded him and then questioned him. "Now play the Prophet," they said; "who was it that struck you?" And they heaped many other insults on him. At daybreak the National Council met--both the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law--and took Jesus before their High Council. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us so." "If I tell you," replied Jesus, "you will not believe me; And, if I question you, you will not answer. But from this hour 'the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of God Almighty.'" "Are you, then, the Son of God?" they all asked. "It is true," answered Jesus, "I am." At this they exclaimed: "Why do we want any more evidence? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the Chief Priest, with the Officer in charge at the Temple and the Sadducees, came up to them, Much annoyed because they were teaching the people, and because, through Jesus, they were preaching the resurrection from the dead. They arrested the Apostles and, as it was already evening, had them placed in custody till the next day. read more.
Many, however, of those who had heard the Apostles' Message became believers in Christ, the number of the men alone amounting to about five thousand. The next day, a meeting of the leading men, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law was held in Jerusalem. There were present Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of High-Priestly rank. They had Peter and John brought before them, and questioned them. "By what power," they asked, "Or in whose name have men like you done this thing?" On this, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke as follows: "Leaders of the people and Councillors, Since we are on our trial to-day for a kind act done to a helpless man, and are asked in what way the man here before you has been cured, Let me tell you all and all the people of Israel, that it is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead--it is, I say, by his Name that this man stands here before you lame no longer. Jesus is 'the stone which, scorned by you the builders, has yet become the corner stone.' And Salvation is in him alone; for there is no other Name in the whole world, given to men, to which we must look for our Salvation." When the Council saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and found that they were uneducated men of humble station, they were surprised, and realized that they had been companions of Jesus. But, when they looked at the man who had been healed, standing there with them, they had nothing to say. So they ordered them out of court, and then began consulting together. "What are we to do to these men?" they asked one another. "That a remarkable sign has been given through them is obvious to every one living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But, to prevent this thing from spreading further among the people, let us warn them not to speak in this Name any more to any one whatever." So they called the Apostles in, and ordered them not to speak or teach in the Name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied: "Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you rather than to him-- Judge for yourselves, for we cannot help speaking of what we have seen and heard." However, after further warnings, the Council set them at liberty, not seeing any safe way of punishing them, because of the people, for they were all praising God for what had occurred;
Many, however, of those who had heard the Apostles' Message became believers in Christ, the number of the men alone amounting to about five thousand. The next day, a meeting of the leading men, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law was held in Jerusalem. There were present Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of High-Priestly rank. They had Peter and John brought before them, and questioned them. "By what power," they asked, "Or in whose name have men like you done this thing?" On this, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke as follows: "Leaders of the people and Councillors, Since we are on our trial to-day for a kind act done to a helpless man, and are asked in what way the man here before you has been cured, Let me tell you all and all the people of Israel, that it is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead--it is, I say, by his Name that this man stands here before you lame no longer. Jesus is 'the stone which, scorned by you the builders, has yet become the corner stone.' And Salvation is in him alone; for there is no other Name in the whole world, given to men, to which we must look for our Salvation." When the Council saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and found that they were uneducated men of humble station, they were surprised, and realized that they had been companions of Jesus. But, when they looked at the man who had been healed, standing there with them, they had nothing to say. So they ordered them out of court, and then began consulting together. "What are we to do to these men?" they asked one another. "That a remarkable sign has been given through them is obvious to every one living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But, to prevent this thing from spreading further among the people, let us warn them not to speak in this Name any more to any one whatever." So they called the Apostles in, and ordered them not to speak or teach in the Name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied: "Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you rather than to him-- Judge for yourselves, for we cannot help speaking of what we have seen and heard." However, after further warnings, the Council set them at liberty, not seeing any safe way of punishing them, because of the people, for they were all praising God for what had occurred;
But some members of the Synagogue known as that of Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and Visitors from Cilicia and Roman Asia, were roused to action and began disputing with Stephen; Yet they were quite unable to withstand the wisdom and the inspiration with which he spoke. Then they induced some men to assert that they had heard Stephen saying blasphemous things against Moses, and against God; read more.
And they stirred up the people, as well as the Councillors and the Teachers of the Law, and set upon Stephen, and arrested him, and brought him before the High Council. There they produced witnesses who gave false evidence. "This man," they said, "is incessantly saying things against this Holy Place and the Law; Indeed, we have heard him declare that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this Place, and change the customs handed down to us by Moses." The eyes of all the members of the Council were riveted upon Stephen, and they saw his face looking like the face of an angel.
And they stirred up the people, as well as the Councillors and the Teachers of the Law, and set upon Stephen, and arrested him, and brought him before the High Council. There they produced witnesses who gave false evidence. "This man," they said, "is incessantly saying things against this Holy Place and the Law; Indeed, we have heard him declare that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this Place, and change the customs handed down to us by Moses." The eyes of all the members of the Council were riveted upon Stephen, and they saw his face looking like the face of an angel.
Then the High Priest asked: "Is this true?" And, upon that, Stephen spoke as follows: "Brothers and Fathers, hear what I have to say. God, who manifests himself in the Glory, appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, and before he settled in Haran, and said to him-- 'Leave your country and your kindred, and come into the country that I will show you.' read more.
On this, Abraham left the country of the Chaldaeans and settled in Haran; and from there, after his father's death, God caused him to migrate into this very country, in which you are now living. God did not at that time give him any part of it, not even a foot of ground. But he promised to 'give him possession of it and his descendants after him, though at that time he had no child. God's words were these--'Abraham's descendants shall live in a foreign country, where they will be enslaved and ill-treated for four hundred years. But I myself will judge the nation, to which they will be enslaved,' God said, 'and after that they shall leave the country and worship me in this place.' Then God made with Abraham the Covenant of Circumcision; and under it Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him when he was eight days old; and Isaac became the father of Jacob; and Jacob of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Patriarchs, out of jealousy, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his troubles, and enabled him to win favor and show wisdom before Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who appointed him Governor of Egypt and of his whole household. Then a famine spread over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, causing great distress, and our ancestors could find no food. Hearing, however, that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob sent our ancestors there on their first visit. In the course of their second visit, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent an urgent invitation to his father Jacob and to his relations, seventy-five persons in all; And so Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and our ancestors also, And their bodies were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. As the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people increased largely in numbers in Egypt, Until a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to the throne. This king acted deceitfully towards our race and ill-treated our ancestors, making them abandon their own infants, so that they should not be reared. It was just at this time that Moses was born. He was an exceedingly beautiful child, and for three months was brought up in his own father's house; And, when he was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh found him and brought him up as her own son. So Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and proved his ability both by his words and actions. When he was in his fortieth year, he resolved to visit his brother Israelites; And, seeing an Israelite ill-treated, he defended him, and avenged the man, who was being wronged, by striking down the Egyptian. He thought his brothers would understand that God was using him to save them; but they failed to do so. The next day he again appeared upon the scene, when some of them were fighting, and tried to make peace between them. 'Men,' he said, 'you are brothers; how is it that you are ill-treating one another?' But the man who was ill-treating his fellow workman pushed Moses aside saying--'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you mean to make away with me as you did yesterday with that Egyptian?' At these words Moses took to flight, and became an exile in Midian; and there he had two sons born to him. Forty years had passed when there appeared to him, in the Desert of Mount Sinai, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was astonished at the vision; but on his going nearer to look at it more closely, the voice of the Lord was heard to say-- 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses trembled, and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him--'Take your sandals off your feet, for the spot where you are standing is holy ground. I have seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt, and heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them. Come now and I will send you into Egypt.' This same Moses, whom they had disowned with the words--'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' was the very man whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer, under the guidance of the angel that had appeared to him in the bush. He it was who led them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the Desert during forty years. This was the Moses who said to the people of Israel--'God will raise up for you, from among your brothers, a Prophet, as he raised up me.' He, too, it was who was present at the assembly in the Desert, with the angel who talked to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, and who received living truths to impart to you. Yet our ancestors refused him obedience; more than that, they rejected him, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, While they said to Aaron--'Make us Gods who will lead the way for us, since, as for this Moses who has brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' That was the time when they made the Calf and offered sacrifice to their idol, and held festivities in honor of their own handiwork! So God turned from them and left them to the worship of the Starry Host, as is written in the Book of the Prophets--'Did you offer victims and sacrifices to me, O House of Israel, all those forty years in the Desert? You took with you the tabernacle of Moloch and the Star of the god Rephan--the images which you had made to worship. Therefore I will exile you beyond Babylon.' Our ancestors had the Tabernacle of Revelation in the Desert, constructed, just as he who spoke to Moses had directed him to make it, after the model which he had seen. This Tabernacle, which was handed down to them, was brought into this country by our ancestors who accompanied Joshua (at the conquest of the nations that God drove out before their advance), and remained here until the time of David. David found favor with God, and prayed that he might find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a House for God. Yet it is not in buildings made by hands that the Most High dwells. As the Prophet says-- 'The heavens are a throne for me, and the earth a stool for my feet. What manner of House will you build me, says the Lord, or what place is there where I may rest? Was it not my hand that made all these things?' O! stubborn race, heathen in heart and ears, you are for ever resisting the Holy Spirit; your ancestors did it, and you are doing it still. Which of the Prophets escaped persecution at their hands? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One; of whom you, in your turn, have now become the betrayers and murderers-- You who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it." As they listened to this, the Council grew frantic with rage, and gnashed their teeth at Stephen. He, filled as he was with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes intently on the heavens, and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. "Look," he exclaimed, "I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand!" At this, with a loud shout, they stopped their ears and all rushed upon him, forced him outside the city, And began to stone him, the witnesses laying their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, while he cried to the Lord: "Lord Jesus! receive my spirit!"
On this, Abraham left the country of the Chaldaeans and settled in Haran; and from there, after his father's death, God caused him to migrate into this very country, in which you are now living. God did not at that time give him any part of it, not even a foot of ground. But he promised to 'give him possession of it and his descendants after him, though at that time he had no child. God's words were these--'Abraham's descendants shall live in a foreign country, where they will be enslaved and ill-treated for four hundred years. But I myself will judge the nation, to which they will be enslaved,' God said, 'and after that they shall leave the country and worship me in this place.' Then God made with Abraham the Covenant of Circumcision; and under it Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him when he was eight days old; and Isaac became the father of Jacob; and Jacob of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Patriarchs, out of jealousy, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his troubles, and enabled him to win favor and show wisdom before Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who appointed him Governor of Egypt and of his whole household. Then a famine spread over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, causing great distress, and our ancestors could find no food. Hearing, however, that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob sent our ancestors there on their first visit. In the course of their second visit, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent an urgent invitation to his father Jacob and to his relations, seventy-five persons in all; And so Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and our ancestors also, And their bodies were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. As the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people increased largely in numbers in Egypt, Until a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to the throne. This king acted deceitfully towards our race and ill-treated our ancestors, making them abandon their own infants, so that they should not be reared. It was just at this time that Moses was born. He was an exceedingly beautiful child, and for three months was brought up in his own father's house; And, when he was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh found him and brought him up as her own son. So Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and proved his ability both by his words and actions. When he was in his fortieth year, he resolved to visit his brother Israelites; And, seeing an Israelite ill-treated, he defended him, and avenged the man, who was being wronged, by striking down the Egyptian. He thought his brothers would understand that God was using him to save them; but they failed to do so. The next day he again appeared upon the scene, when some of them were fighting, and tried to make peace between them. 'Men,' he said, 'you are brothers; how is it that you are ill-treating one another?' But the man who was ill-treating his fellow workman pushed Moses aside saying--'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? Do you mean to make away with me as you did yesterday with that Egyptian?' At these words Moses took to flight, and became an exile in Midian; and there he had two sons born to him. Forty years had passed when there appeared to him, in the Desert of Mount Sinai, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was astonished at the vision; but on his going nearer to look at it more closely, the voice of the Lord was heard to say-- 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses trembled, and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him--'Take your sandals off your feet, for the spot where you are standing is holy ground. I have seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt, and heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them. Come now and I will send you into Egypt.' This same Moses, whom they had disowned with the words--'Who made you a ruler and a judge?' was the very man whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer, under the guidance of the angel that had appeared to him in the bush. He it was who led them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the Desert during forty years. This was the Moses who said to the people of Israel--'God will raise up for you, from among your brothers, a Prophet, as he raised up me.' He, too, it was who was present at the assembly in the Desert, with the angel who talked to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, and who received living truths to impart to you. Yet our ancestors refused him obedience; more than that, they rejected him, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, While they said to Aaron--'Make us Gods who will lead the way for us, since, as for this Moses who has brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' That was the time when they made the Calf and offered sacrifice to their idol, and held festivities in honor of their own handiwork! So God turned from them and left them to the worship of the Starry Host, as is written in the Book of the Prophets--'Did you offer victims and sacrifices to me, O House of Israel, all those forty years in the Desert? You took with you the tabernacle of Moloch and the Star of the god Rephan--the images which you had made to worship. Therefore I will exile you beyond Babylon.' Our ancestors had the Tabernacle of Revelation in the Desert, constructed, just as he who spoke to Moses had directed him to make it, after the model which he had seen. This Tabernacle, which was handed down to them, was brought into this country by our ancestors who accompanied Joshua (at the conquest of the nations that God drove out before their advance), and remained here until the time of David. David found favor with God, and prayed that he might find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a House for God. Yet it is not in buildings made by hands that the Most High dwells. As the Prophet says-- 'The heavens are a throne for me, and the earth a stool for my feet. What manner of House will you build me, says the Lord, or what place is there where I may rest? Was it not my hand that made all these things?' O! stubborn race, heathen in heart and ears, you are for ever resisting the Holy Spirit; your ancestors did it, and you are doing it still. Which of the Prophets escaped persecution at their hands? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One; of whom you, in your turn, have now become the betrayers and murderers-- You who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it." As they listened to this, the Council grew frantic with rage, and gnashed their teeth at Stephen. He, filled as he was with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes intently on the heavens, and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. "Look," he exclaimed, "I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand!" At this, with a loud shout, they stopped their ears and all rushed upon him, forced him outside the city, And began to stone him, the witnesses laying their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, while he cried to the Lord: "Lord Jesus! receive my spirit!"
Jesus Christ » History of » Is betrayed and apprehended (in the garden of gethsemane)
While Peter was in the court-yard down below, one of the High Priest's maidservants came up; And, seeing Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him, and exclaimed: "Why, you were with Jesus, the Nazarene!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know or understand what you mean," he replied. Then he went out into the porch; read more.
And there the maidservant, on seeing him, began to say again to the by-standers: "This is one of them!" But Peter again denied it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again said to him: "You certainly are one of them; why you are a Galilean!" But he began to swear with the most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man you are speaking about." At that moment, for the second time, a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him-- 'Before a cock has crowed twice, you will disown me three times'; and, as he thought of it, he began to weep.
And there the maidservant, on seeing him, began to say again to the by-standers: "This is one of them!" But Peter again denied it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again said to him: "You certainly are one of them; why you are a Galilean!" But he began to swear with the most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man you are speaking about." At that moment, for the second time, a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him-- 'Before a cock has crowed twice, you will disown me three times'; and, as he thought of it, he began to weep.
And, while he was still speaking, Judas, who was one of the Twelve, came in sight; and with him was a great crowd of people, with swords and clubs, sent from the Chief Priests and Councillors of the Nation. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The man whom I kiss," he had said, "will be the one; arrest him." So he went up to Jesus at once, and exclaimed: "Welcome, Rabbi!" and kissed him; read more.
On which Jesus said to him: "Friend, do what you have come for." Thereupon the men went up, seized Jesus, and arrested him. Suddenly one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and striking the High Priest's servant, cut off his ear. "Sheathe your sword," Jesus said, "for all who draw the sword will be put to the sword. Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels? But in that case how would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that this must be?" Jesus at the same time said to the crowds: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have sat teaching day after day in the Temple Courts, and yet you did not arrest me." The whole of this occurred in fulfillment of the Prophetic Scriptures. Then the disciples all forsook him and fled.
On which Jesus said to him: "Friend, do what you have come for." Thereupon the men went up, seized Jesus, and arrested him. Suddenly one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and striking the High Priest's servant, cut off his ear. "Sheathe your sword," Jesus said, "for all who draw the sword will be put to the sword. Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels? But in that case how would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that this must be?" Jesus at the same time said to the crowds: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have sat teaching day after day in the Temple Courts, and yet you did not arrest me." The whole of this occurred in fulfillment of the Prophetic Scriptures. Then the disciples all forsook him and fled.
And just then, while he was still speaking, Judas, who was one of the Twelve, came up; and with him a crowd of people, with swords and clubs, sent by the Chief Priests, the Teachers of the Law, and the Councillors. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The man whom I kiss," he had said, "will be the one; arrest him and take him away safely." As soon as Judas came, he went up to Jesus at once, and said: "Rabbi!" and kissed him. read more.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire.
While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared in sight, led by the man called Judas, who was one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus, to kiss him; On which Jesus said to him: "Judas, is it by a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?" But when those who were round Jesus saw what was going to happen, they exclaimed: "Master, shall we use our swords?" read more.
And one of them struck the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear; On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound. Then, turning to the Chief Priests and Officers in charge at the Temple and Councillors, who had come for him, he said: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the Temple Courts, you did not lay hands on me; but now your time has come, and the power of Darkness."
And one of them struck the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear; On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound. Then, turning to the Chief Priests and Officers in charge at the Temple and Councillors, who had come for him, he said: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the Temple Courts, you did not lay hands on me; but now your time has come, and the power of Darkness."
The place was well known to Judas, the betrayer, for Jesus and his disciples had often met there. So Judas, who had obtained the soldiers of the Roman garrison, and some police-officers from the Chief Priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, aware of all that was coming upon him, went to meet them, and said to them: "For whom are you looking?" read more.
"Jesus of Nazareth," was their answer. "I am he," said Jesus. (Judas, the betrayer, was also standing with them.) When Jesus said 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground. So he again asked for whom they were looking, and they answered: "Jesus of Nazareth." "I have already told you that I am he," replied Jesus, "so, if it is for me that you are looking, let these men go." This was in fulfillment of his words-- 'Of those whom thou hast given me I have not lost one.' At this, Simon Peter, who had a sword with him, drew it, and struck the High Priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter: "Sheathe your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" So the soldiers of the garrison, with their Commanding Officer and the Jewish police, arrested Jesus and bound him,
"Jesus of Nazareth," was their answer. "I am he," said Jesus. (Judas, the betrayer, was also standing with them.) When Jesus said 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground. So he again asked for whom they were looking, and they answered: "Jesus of Nazareth." "I have already told you that I am he," replied Jesus, "so, if it is for me that you are looking, let these men go." This was in fulfillment of his words-- 'Of those whom thou hast given me I have not lost one.' At this, Simon Peter, who had a sword with him, drew it, and struck the High Priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter: "Sheathe your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" So the soldiers of the garrison, with their Commanding Officer and the Jewish police, arrested Jesus and bound him,
Prisoners » Jesus
And, while he was still speaking, Judas, who was one of the Twelve, came in sight; and with him was a great crowd of people, with swords and clubs, sent from the Chief Priests and Councillors of the Nation. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The man whom I kiss," he had said, "will be the one; arrest him." So he went up to Jesus at once, and exclaimed: "Welcome, Rabbi!" and kissed him; read more.
On which Jesus said to him: "Friend, do what you have come for." Thereupon the men went up, seized Jesus, and arrested him. Suddenly one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and striking the High Priest's servant, cut off his ear. "Sheathe your sword," Jesus said, "for all who draw the sword will be put to the sword. Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels? But in that case how would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that this must be?" Jesus at the same time said to the crowds: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have sat teaching day after day in the Temple Courts, and yet you did not arrest me." The whole of this occurred in fulfillment of the Prophetic Scriptures. Then the disciples all forsook him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the Teachers of the Law and the Councillors had assembled. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the offices, to see the end. Meanwhile the Chief Priests and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such false evidence against Jesus, as would warrant putting him to death, But they did not find any, although many came forward with false evidence. Later on, however, two men came forward and said: "This man said 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.'" Then the High Priest stood up, and said to Jesus: "Have you no answer? What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent. On this the High Priest said to him: "I adjure you, by the Living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God." "It is true," Jesus answered; "Moreover I tell you all that hereafter you shall 'see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming on the clouds of the heavens.'" Then the High Priest tore his robes. "This is blasphemy!" he exclaimed. "Why do we want any more witnesses? You have just heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered: "He deserves death." Then they spat in his face, and struck him, while others dealt blows at him, saying as they did so: "Now play the Prophet for us, you Christ! Who was it that struck you?" Peter, meanwhile, was sitting outside in the courtyard; and a maidservant came up to him, and exclaimed: "Why, you were with Jesus the Galilean!" But Peter denied it before them all. "I do not know what you mean," he replied. When he had gone out into the gateway, another maid saw him, and said to those who were there: "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth!" Again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man!" But soon afterwards those who were standing by came up and said to Peter: "You also are certainly one of them; why, your very way of speaking proves it!" Then Peter began to swear, with most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man." At that moment a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words which Jesus had said-- 'Before a cock has crowed, you will disown me three times'; and he went outside, and wept bitterly.
On which Jesus said to him: "Friend, do what you have come for." Thereupon the men went up, seized Jesus, and arrested him. Suddenly one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and striking the High Priest's servant, cut off his ear. "Sheathe your sword," Jesus said, "for all who draw the sword will be put to the sword. Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels? But in that case how would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that this must be?" Jesus at the same time said to the crowds: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have sat teaching day after day in the Temple Courts, and yet you did not arrest me." The whole of this occurred in fulfillment of the Prophetic Scriptures. Then the disciples all forsook him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the Teachers of the Law and the Councillors had assembled. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the offices, to see the end. Meanwhile the Chief Priests and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such false evidence against Jesus, as would warrant putting him to death, But they did not find any, although many came forward with false evidence. Later on, however, two men came forward and said: "This man said 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.'" Then the High Priest stood up, and said to Jesus: "Have you no answer? What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent. On this the High Priest said to him: "I adjure you, by the Living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God." "It is true," Jesus answered; "Moreover I tell you all that hereafter you shall 'see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty, and coming on the clouds of the heavens.'" Then the High Priest tore his robes. "This is blasphemy!" he exclaimed. "Why do we want any more witnesses? You have just heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?" They answered: "He deserves death." Then they spat in his face, and struck him, while others dealt blows at him, saying as they did so: "Now play the Prophet for us, you Christ! Who was it that struck you?" Peter, meanwhile, was sitting outside in the courtyard; and a maidservant came up to him, and exclaimed: "Why, you were with Jesus the Galilean!" But Peter denied it before them all. "I do not know what you mean," he replied. When he had gone out into the gateway, another maid saw him, and said to those who were there: "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth!" Again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man!" But soon afterwards those who were standing by came up and said to Peter: "You also are certainly one of them; why, your very way of speaking proves it!" Then Peter began to swear, with most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man." At that moment a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words which Jesus had said-- 'Before a cock has crowed, you will disown me three times'; and he went outside, and wept bitterly.
And just then, while he was still speaking, Judas, who was one of the Twelve, came up; and with him a crowd of people, with swords and clubs, sent by the Chief Priests, the Teachers of the Law, and the Councillors. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them. "The man whom I kiss," he had said, "will be the one; arrest him and take him away safely." As soon as Judas came, he went up to Jesus at once, and said: "Rabbi!" and kissed him. read more.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire. Meanwhile the Chief Priest and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such evidence against Jesus as would warrant his being put to death, but they could not find any; For, though there were many who gave false evidence against him, yet their evidence did not agree. Presently some men stood up, and gave this false evidence against him-- "We ourselves heard him say 'I will destroy this Temple made with hands, and in three days build another made without hands.'" Yet not even on that point did their evidence agree. Then the High Priest stood forward, and questioned Jesus. "Have you no answer to make?" he asked. "What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent, and made no answer. A second time the High Priest questioned him. "Are you," he asked, "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," replied Jesus, "and you shall all see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty; and 'coming in the clouds of heaven'." At this the High Priest tore his vestments. "Why do we want any more witnesses?" he exclaimed. "You heard his blasphemy? What is your verdict?" They all condemned him, declaring that he deserved death. Some of those present began to spit at him, and to blindfold his eyes, and strike him, saying, as they did so, "Now play the Prophet!" and even the police-officers received him with blows. While Peter was in the court-yard down below, one of the High Priest's maidservants came up; And, seeing Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him, and exclaimed: "Why, you were with Jesus, the Nazarene!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know or understand what you mean," he replied. Then he went out into the porch; And there the maidservant, on seeing him, began to say again to the by-standers: "This is one of them!" But Peter again denied it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again said to him: "You certainly are one of them; why you are a Galilean!" But he began to swear with the most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man you are speaking about." At that moment, for the second time, a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him-- 'Before a cock has crowed twice, you will disown me three times'; and, as he thought of it, he began to weep.
Then the men seized Jesus, and arrested him. One of those who were standing by drew his sword, and struck at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his ear. But Jesus interposed, and said to the men: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs, to take me? I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures." And all the Apostles forsook him, and fled. One young man did indeed follow him, wrapped only in a linen sheet. They tried to arrest him; But he left the sheet in their hands, and fled naked. Then they took Jesus to the High Priest; and all the Chief Priests, the Councillors, and the Teachers of the Law assembled. Peter, who had followed Jesus at a distance into the court- yard of the High Priest, was sitting there among the police- officers, warming himself at the blaze of the fire. Meanwhile the Chief Priest and the whole of the High Council were trying to get such evidence against Jesus as would warrant his being put to death, but they could not find any; For, though there were many who gave false evidence against him, yet their evidence did not agree. Presently some men stood up, and gave this false evidence against him-- "We ourselves heard him say 'I will destroy this Temple made with hands, and in three days build another made without hands.'" Yet not even on that point did their evidence agree. Then the High Priest stood forward, and questioned Jesus. "Have you no answer to make?" he asked. "What is this evidence which these men are giving against you?" But Jesus remained silent, and made no answer. A second time the High Priest questioned him. "Are you," he asked, "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" "I am," replied Jesus, "and you shall all see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty; and 'coming in the clouds of heaven'." At this the High Priest tore his vestments. "Why do we want any more witnesses?" he exclaimed. "You heard his blasphemy? What is your verdict?" They all condemned him, declaring that he deserved death. Some of those present began to spit at him, and to blindfold his eyes, and strike him, saying, as they did so, "Now play the Prophet!" and even the police-officers received him with blows. While Peter was in the court-yard down below, one of the High Priest's maidservants came up; And, seeing Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him, and exclaimed: "Why, you were with Jesus, the Nazarene!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know or understand what you mean," he replied. Then he went out into the porch; And there the maidservant, on seeing him, began to say again to the by-standers: "This is one of them!" But Peter again denied it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again said to him: "You certainly are one of them; why you are a Galilean!" But he began to swear with the most solemn imprecations: "I do not know the man you are speaking about." At that moment, for the second time, a cock crowed; and Peter remembered the words that Jesus had said to him-- 'Before a cock has crowed twice, you will disown me three times'; and, as he thought of it, he began to weep.
While he was still speaking, a crowd appeared in sight, led by the man called Judas, who was one of the Twelve. Judas approached Jesus, to kiss him; On which Jesus said to him: "Judas, is it by a kiss that you betray the Son of Man?" But when those who were round Jesus saw what was going to happen, they exclaimed: "Master, shall we use our swords?" read more.
And one of them struck the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear; On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound. Then, turning to the Chief Priests and Officers in charge at the Temple and Councillors, who had come for him, he said: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the Temple Courts, you did not lay hands on me; but now your time has come, and the power of Darkness." Those who had taken Jesus prisoner took him away into the house of the High Priest. Peter followed at a distance. But, when they had lit a fire in the center of the court-yard and had all sat down there, Peter seated himself in the middle of them. Presently a maidservant saw him sitting near the blaze of the fire. Fixing her eyes on him, she said: "Why, this man was one of his companions!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know him," he replied. A little while afterwards some one else--a man--saw him and said: "Why, you are one of them!" "No," Peter said, "I am not." About an hour later another man declared positively: "This man also was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean!" But Peter said: "I do not know what you are speaking about." Instantly, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Master turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the words that the Master had said to him-- "Before a cock has crowed to-day, you will disown me three times"; And he went outside and wept bitterly. The men that held Jesus kept making sport of him and beating him. They blindfolded him and then questioned him. "Now play the Prophet," they said; "who was it that struck you?" And they heaped many other insults on him. At daybreak the National Council met--both the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law--and took Jesus before their High Council. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us so." "If I tell you," replied Jesus, "you will not believe me; And, if I question you, you will not answer. But from this hour 'the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of God Almighty.'" "Are you, then, the Son of God?" they all asked. "It is true," answered Jesus, "I am." At this they exclaimed: "Why do we want any more evidence? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
And one of them struck the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear; On which Jesus said: "Let me at least do this"; and, touching his ear, he healed the wound. Then, turning to the Chief Priests and Officers in charge at the Temple and Councillors, who had come for him, he said: "Have you come out, as if after a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the Temple Courts, you did not lay hands on me; but now your time has come, and the power of Darkness." Those who had taken Jesus prisoner took him away into the house of the High Priest. Peter followed at a distance. But, when they had lit a fire in the center of the court-yard and had all sat down there, Peter seated himself in the middle of them. Presently a maidservant saw him sitting near the blaze of the fire. Fixing her eyes on him, she said: "Why, this man was one of his companions!" But Peter denied it. "I do not know him," he replied. A little while afterwards some one else--a man--saw him and said: "Why, you are one of them!" "No," Peter said, "I am not." About an hour later another man declared positively: "This man also was certainly with him. Why, he is a Galilean!" But Peter said: "I do not know what you are speaking about." Instantly, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed. And the Master turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the words that the Master had said to him-- "Before a cock has crowed to-day, you will disown me three times"; And he went outside and wept bitterly. The men that held Jesus kept making sport of him and beating him. They blindfolded him and then questioned him. "Now play the Prophet," they said; "who was it that struck you?" And they heaped many other insults on him. At daybreak the National Council met--both the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law--and took Jesus before their High Council. "If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us so." "If I tell you," replied Jesus, "you will not believe me; And, if I question you, you will not answer. But from this hour 'the Son of Man will be seated on the right hand of God Almighty.'" "Are you, then, the Son of God?" they all asked. "It is true," answered Jesus, "I am." At this they exclaimed: "Why do we want any more evidence? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!"
So Judas, who had obtained the soldiers of the Roman garrison, and some police-officers from the Chief Priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, aware of all that was coming upon him, went to meet them, and said to them: "For whom are you looking?" "Jesus of Nazareth," was their answer. "I am he," said Jesus. (Judas, the betrayer, was also standing with them.) read more.
When Jesus said 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground. So he again asked for whom they were looking, and they answered: "Jesus of Nazareth." "I have already told you that I am he," replied Jesus, "so, if it is for me that you are looking, let these men go." This was in fulfillment of his words-- 'Of those whom thou hast given me I have not lost one.' At this, Simon Peter, who had a sword with him, drew it, and struck the High Priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter: "Sheathe your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" So the soldiers of the garrison, with their Commanding Officer and the Jewish police, arrested Jesus and bound him, And took him first of all to Annas. Annas was the father-in- law of Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews, that it was best that one man should die for the people. Meanwhile Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. That disciple, being well-known to the High Priest, went with Jesus into the High Priest's court-yard, While Peter stood outside by the door. Presently the other disciple--the one well-known to the High Priest--went out and spoke to the portress, and brought Peter in. So the maidservant said to Peter: "Are not you also one of this man's disciples?" "No, I am not," he said. The servants and police-officers were standing round a char- coal fire (which they had made because it was cold), and were warming themselves. Peter, too, was with them, standing and warming himself. The High Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. "For my part," answered Jesus, "I have spoken to all the world openly. I always taught in some Synagogue, or in the Temple Courts, places where all the Jews assemble, and I never spoke of anything in secret. Why question me? Question those who have listened to me as to what I have spoken about to them. They must know what I said." When Jesus said this, one of the police-officers, who was standing near, gave him a blow with his hand. "Do you answer the High Priest like that?" he exclaimed. "If I said anything wrong, give evidence about it," replied Jesus; "but if not, why do you strike me?" Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the High Priest. Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing there, warming himself; so they said to him: "Are not you also one of his disciples?" Peter denied it. "No, I am not," he said. One of the High Priest's servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, exclaimed: "Did not I myself see you with him in the garden?" Peter again denied it; and at that moment a cock crowed. From Caiaphas they took Jesus to the Government House. It was early in the morning. But they did not enter the Government House themselves, lest they should become 'defiled,' and so be unable to eat the Passover. Therefore Pilate came outside to speak to them. "What charge do you bring against this man?" he asked. "If he had not been a criminal, we should not have given him up to you," they answered. "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and try him by your own Law." "We have no power to put any one to death," the Jews replied- - In fulfillment of what Jesus had said when indicating the death that he was destined to die. After that, Pilate went into the Government House again, and calling Jesus up, asked him: "Are you the King of the Jews?" "Do you ask me that yourself?" replied Jesus, "or did others say it to you about me?" "Do you take me for a Jew?" was Pilate's answer. "It is your own nation and the Chief Priests who have given you up to me. What have you done?" "My kingly power," replied Jesus, "is not due to this world. If it had been so, my servants would be doing their utmost to prevent my being given up to the Jews; but my kingly power is not from the world." "So you are a King after all!" exclaimed Pilate. "Yes, it is true I am a King," answered Jesus. "I was born for this, I have come into the world for this--to bear testimony to the Truth. Every one who is on the side of Truth listens to my voice." "What is Truth?" exclaimed Pilate. After saying this, he went out to the Jews again, and said: "For my part, I find nothing with which he can be charged. It is, however, the custom for me to grant you the release of one man at the Passover Festival. Do you wish for the release of the King of the Jews?" "No, not this man," they shouted again, "but Barabbas!" This Barabbas was a robber.
When Jesus said 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground. So he again asked for whom they were looking, and they answered: "Jesus of Nazareth." "I have already told you that I am he," replied Jesus, "so, if it is for me that you are looking, let these men go." This was in fulfillment of his words-- 'Of those whom thou hast given me I have not lost one.' At this, Simon Peter, who had a sword with him, drew it, and struck the High Priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. But Jesus said to Peter: "Sheathe your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?" So the soldiers of the garrison, with their Commanding Officer and the Jewish police, arrested Jesus and bound him, And took him first of all to Annas. Annas was the father-in- law of Caiaphas, who was High Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews, that it was best that one man should die for the people. Meanwhile Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. That disciple, being well-known to the High Priest, went with Jesus into the High Priest's court-yard, While Peter stood outside by the door. Presently the other disciple--the one well-known to the High Priest--went out and spoke to the portress, and brought Peter in. So the maidservant said to Peter: "Are not you also one of this man's disciples?" "No, I am not," he said. The servants and police-officers were standing round a char- coal fire (which they had made because it was cold), and were warming themselves. Peter, too, was with them, standing and warming himself. The High Priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. "For my part," answered Jesus, "I have spoken to all the world openly. I always taught in some Synagogue, or in the Temple Courts, places where all the Jews assemble, and I never spoke of anything in secret. Why question me? Question those who have listened to me as to what I have spoken about to them. They must know what I said." When Jesus said this, one of the police-officers, who was standing near, gave him a blow with his hand. "Do you answer the High Priest like that?" he exclaimed. "If I said anything wrong, give evidence about it," replied Jesus; "but if not, why do you strike me?" Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the High Priest. Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing there, warming himself; so they said to him: "Are not you also one of his disciples?" Peter denied it. "No, I am not," he said. One of the High Priest's servants, a relation of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, exclaimed: "Did not I myself see you with him in the garden?" Peter again denied it; and at that moment a cock crowed. From Caiaphas they took Jesus to the Government House. It was early in the morning. But they did not enter the Government House themselves, lest they should become 'defiled,' and so be unable to eat the Passover. Therefore Pilate came outside to speak to them. "What charge do you bring against this man?" he asked. "If he had not been a criminal, we should not have given him up to you," they answered. "Take him yourselves," said Pilate, "and try him by your own Law." "We have no power to put any one to death," the Jews replied- - In fulfillment of what Jesus had said when indicating the death that he was destined to die. After that, Pilate went into the Government House again, and calling Jesus up, asked him: "Are you the King of the Jews?" "Do you ask me that yourself?" replied Jesus, "or did others say it to you about me?" "Do you take me for a Jew?" was Pilate's answer. "It is your own nation and the Chief Priests who have given you up to me. What have you done?" "My kingly power," replied Jesus, "is not due to this world. If it had been so, my servants would be doing their utmost to prevent my being given up to the Jews; but my kingly power is not from the world." "So you are a King after all!" exclaimed Pilate. "Yes, it is true I am a King," answered Jesus. "I was born for this, I have come into the world for this--to bear testimony to the Truth. Every one who is on the side of Truth listens to my voice." "What is Truth?" exclaimed Pilate. After saying this, he went out to the Jews again, and said: "For my part, I find nothing with which he can be charged. It is, however, the custom for me to grant you the release of one man at the Passover Festival. Do you wish for the release of the King of the Jews?" "No, not this man," they shouted again, "but Barabbas!" This Barabbas was a robber.
Temple » Herod the great's temple » Jesus teaches in
"For my part," answered Jesus, "I have spoken to all the world openly. I always taught in some Synagogue, or in the Temple Courts, places where all the Jews assemble, and I never spoke of anything in secret.
They came to Jerusalem again. While Jesus was walking about in the Temple Courts, the Chief Priests, the Teachers of the Law, and the Councillors came up to him. "What authority have you to do these things?" they said. "Who gave you the authority to do them?" "I will put one question to you," said Jesus. "Answer me that, and then I will tell you what authority I have to act as I do. read more.
It is about John's baptism. Was it of divine or human origin? Answer me that." They began arguing together; "If we say 'divine,' he will say 'Why then did not you believe him?' Yet can we say 'human'?"--They were afraid of the people, for everyone regarded John as undoubtedly a Prophet. So their answer to Jesus was--"We do not know." "Then I," replied Jesus, "refuse to tell you what authority I have to do these things."
It is about John's baptism. Was it of divine or human origin? Answer me that." They began arguing together; "If we say 'divine,' he will say 'Why then did not you believe him?' Yet can we say 'human'?"--They were afraid of the people, for everyone regarded John as undoubtedly a Prophet. So their answer to Jesus was--"We do not know." "Then I," replied Jesus, "refuse to tell you what authority I have to do these things."
While Jesus was teaching in the Temple Courts, he asked: "How is it that the Teachers of the Law say that the Christ is to be David's son? David said himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit-- 'The Lord said to my lord: "Sit at my right hand, Until I put thy enemies beneath thy feet.'" David himself calls him 'lord,' how comes it, then, that he is to be his son?" The mass of the people listened to Jesus with delight. read more.
In the course of his teaching, Jesus said: "See that you are on your guard against the Teachers of the Law, who delight to walk about in long robes, and to be greeted in the streets with respect, And to have the best seats in the Synagogues, and places of honor at dinner. They are the men that rob widows of their homes, and make a pretense of saying long prayers. Their sentence will be all the heavier." Then Jesus sat down opposite the chests for the Temple offerings, and watched how the people put money into them. Many rich people were putting in large sums; But one poor widow came and put in two farthings, which make a half-penny. On this, calling his disciples to him, Jesus said: "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others who were putting money into the chests; For every one else put in something from what he had to spare, while she, in her need, put in all she had--everything that she had to live on."
In the course of his teaching, Jesus said: "See that you are on your guard against the Teachers of the Law, who delight to walk about in long robes, and to be greeted in the streets with respect, And to have the best seats in the Synagogues, and places of honor at dinner. They are the men that rob widows of their homes, and make a pretense of saying long prayers. Their sentence will be all the heavier." Then Jesus sat down opposite the chests for the Temple offerings, and watched how the people put money into them. Many rich people were putting in large sums; But one poor widow came and put in two farthings, which make a half-penny. On this, calling his disciples to him, Jesus said: "I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others who were putting money into the chests; For every one else put in something from what he had to spare, while she, in her need, put in all she had--everything that she had to live on."
I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures."
Afterwards Jesus found the man in the Temple Courts, and said to him: "You are cured now; do not sin again, for fear that something worse may befall you." The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had cured him. And that was why the Jews began to persecute Jesus--because he did things of this kind on the Sabbath. read more.
But Jesus replied: "My Father works to this very hour, and I work also."
But Jesus replied: "My Father works to this very hour, and I work also."
About the middle of the Festival week, Jesus went up into the Temple Courts, and began teaching. The Jews were astonished. "How has this man got his learning," they asked, "when he has never studied?" So, in reply, Jesus said: "My teaching is not my own; it is his who sent me. read more.
If any one has the will to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching is from God, or whether I speak on my own authority. The man who speaks on his own authority seeks honor for himself; but the man who seeks the honor of him that sent him is sincere, and there is nothing false in him. Was not it Moses who gave you the Law? Yet not one of you obeys it! Why are you seeking to put me to death?" "You must be possessed by a demon!" the people exclaimed. "Who is seeking to put you to death?" "There was one thing I did," replied Jesus, "at which you are all still wondering. But that is why Moses has instituted circumcision among you- -not, indeed, that it began with him, but with our ancestors--and that is why you circumcise even on a Sabbath. When a man receives circumcision on a Sabbath to prevent the Law of Moses from being broken, how can you be angry with me for making a man sound and well on a Sabbath? Do not judge by appearances; judge justly." At this some of the people of Jerusalem exclaimed: "Is not this the man that they are seeking to put to death? Yet here he is, speaking out boldly, and they say nothing to him! Is it possible that our leading men have really discovered that he is the Christ? Yet we know where this man is from; but, when the Christ comes, no one will be able to tell where he is from." Therefore, Jesus, as he was teaching in the Temple Courts, raised his voice and said: "Yes; you know me and you know where I am from. Yet I have not come on my own authority, but he who sent me may be trusted; and him you do not know.
If any one has the will to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching is from God, or whether I speak on my own authority. The man who speaks on his own authority seeks honor for himself; but the man who seeks the honor of him that sent him is sincere, and there is nothing false in him. Was not it Moses who gave you the Law? Yet not one of you obeys it! Why are you seeking to put me to death?" "You must be possessed by a demon!" the people exclaimed. "Who is seeking to put you to death?" "There was one thing I did," replied Jesus, "at which you are all still wondering. But that is why Moses has instituted circumcision among you- -not, indeed, that it began with him, but with our ancestors--and that is why you circumcise even on a Sabbath. When a man receives circumcision on a Sabbath to prevent the Law of Moses from being broken, how can you be angry with me for making a man sound and well on a Sabbath? Do not judge by appearances; judge justly." At this some of the people of Jerusalem exclaimed: "Is not this the man that they are seeking to put to death? Yet here he is, speaking out boldly, and they say nothing to him! Is it possible that our leading men have really discovered that he is the Christ? Yet we know where this man is from; but, when the Christ comes, no one will be able to tell where he is from." Therefore, Jesus, as he was teaching in the Temple Courts, raised his voice and said: "Yes; you know me and you know where I am from. Yet I have not come on my own authority, but he who sent me may be trusted; and him you do not know.
It was winter; and Jesus was walking in the Temple Courts, in the Colonnade of Solomon, When the Jews gathered round him, and said: "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us so frankly." "I have told you so," replied Jesus, "and you do not believe me. The work that I am doing in my Father's name bears testimony to me. read more.
But you do not believe me, because you are not of my flock. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me; And I give them Immortal Life, and they shall not be lost; nor shall any one snatch them out of my hands. What my Father has entrusted to me is more than all else; and no one can snatch anything out of the Father's hands. The Father and I are one." The Jews again brought stones to throw at him; And seeing this, Jesus said: "I have done before your eyes many good actions, inspired by the Father; for which of them would you stone me?" "It is not for any good action that we would stone you," answered the Jews, "but for blasphemy; and because you, who are only a man, make yourself out to be God." "Are there not," replied Jesus, "these words in your Law--'I said "Ye are gods"'? If those to whom God's word were addressed were said to be 'gods'--and Scripture cannot be set aside-- Do you say of one whom the Father has consecrated and sent as his Messenger to the world 'You are blaspheming,' because I said 'I am God's Son'? If I am not doing the work that my Father is doing, do not believe me; If I am doing it, even though you do not believe me, believe what that work shows; so that you may understand, and understand more and more clearly, that the Father is in union with me, and I with the Father."
But you do not believe me, because you are not of my flock. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me; And I give them Immortal Life, and they shall not be lost; nor shall any one snatch them out of my hands. What my Father has entrusted to me is more than all else; and no one can snatch anything out of the Father's hands. The Father and I are one." The Jews again brought stones to throw at him; And seeing this, Jesus said: "I have done before your eyes many good actions, inspired by the Father; for which of them would you stone me?" "It is not for any good action that we would stone you," answered the Jews, "but for blasphemy; and because you, who are only a man, make yourself out to be God." "Are there not," replied Jesus, "these words in your Law--'I said "Ye are gods"'? If those to whom God's word were addressed were said to be 'gods'--and Scripture cannot be set aside-- Do you say of one whom the Father has consecrated and sent as his Messenger to the world 'You are blaspheming,' because I said 'I am God's Son'? If I am not doing the work that my Father is doing, do not believe me; If I am doing it, even though you do not believe me, believe what that work shows; so that you may understand, and understand more and more clearly, that the Father is in union with me, and I with the Father."
The Second Temple » Christ » Frequently taught in
I have been among you day after day in the Temple Courts teaching, and yet you did not arrest me; but this is in fulfillment of the Scriptures."