The True Story of Jesus — Page 43
Chapter Seven—Enemies Plan to Kill Jesus 43 soldiers, and some temple guards sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees; they were armed and carried lanterns and torches. ’1 Jesus as is Arrested The Roman soldiers with their commanding officer and the Jewish guards arrested Jesus as, bound him, and took him first to Annas. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 2 He questioned him in his own way. Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. 3 Annas had no official position but he was a former high priest and a leading Sadducee. He was obviously a man of great influence. Perhaps this trial was an informal investigation held to formulate proper charges. 4 The chief priests and the whole council tried to find some false evidence against Jesus as to put him to death; but they could not find any, even though many people came forward and lied about him. 5 Finally, the council condemned Jesus as to death on religious grounds of blasphemy. Under Roman rule, however, it was nec- essary to obtain confirmation of this sentence and its execution from Pilate. A death sentence passed on Jesus as under Jewish law by a 1. John 18:2–3 2. John 18:12–13 3. John 18:24 4. An Introduction to the Bible, by John Drane p. 413; publishing PLC Oxford 1990, published by Lion 5. Matthew 26:59–60