But they were the more urgent, saying, “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judaea, and beginning from Galilee, even unto this place.”

But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.  And when he knew that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days.

JESUS BEFORE HEROD.

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad; for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him.  And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing.  And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him.  And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate.

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day:  for before they were at enmity between themselves.

THE TRIAL BEFORE PILATE RESUMED.

And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said unto them, “Ye brought unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people:  and behold, I, having examined him before you, found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:  no, nor yet Herod:  for he sent him back unto us; and behold, nothing worthy of death hath been done by him.  I will therefore chastise him, and release him.”

Now at the feast the governor was wont to release unto the multitude one prisoner, whom they would.  And they had then a notable prisoner, 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.

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

But the governor answered and said unto them, “Which of the two will ye that I release unto you?”

And they said, “Barabbas.”

Pilate saith unto them, “What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called
Christ?”

They all say, “Let him be crucified.”

And he said unto them a third time, “Why, what evil hath this man done?  I have found no cause of death in him:  I will therefore chastise and release him.”

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

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

And they stripped him, and arrayed him in a purple garment.  And they platted a crown of thorns and put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying:  “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they struck him with their hands.  And they spat upon him, and took the reed and smote him upon the head.