The Life of Jesus

And as Peter was beneath in the court, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest;

and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and saith, Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.

But he denied, saying, I neither know, nor understand what thou sayest: and he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

And the maid saw him, and began again to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.

But he again denied it. And after a little while again they that stood by said to Peter, Of a truth thou art one of them; for thou art a Galilæan.

But he began to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak.

And straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

And straightway in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering saith unto him, Thou sayest.

And the chief priests accused him of many things.

And Pilate again asked him, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they accuse thee of.

But Jesus no more answered anything; insomuch that Pilate marvelled.

Now at the feast he used to release unto them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

And there was one called Barabbas, lying bound with them that had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them.

And Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.

But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

And Pilate again answered and said unto them, What then shall I do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?

And they cried out again, Crucify him.

And Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out exceedingly, Crucify him.

And Pilate, wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

And the soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Prætorium; and they call together the whole band.

And they clothe him with purple, and platting a crown of thorns, they put it on him;

and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!