1. It was very early in the morning. The chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law, and the whole Sanhedrin, made a decision. They tied Jesus up and led him away. Then they handed him over to Pilate.
2. "Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes. It is just as you say," Jesus replied.
3. The chief priests brought many charges against him.
4. So Pilate asked him again, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they charge you with."
5. But Jesus still did not reply. Pilate was amazed.
6. It was the usual practice at the Passover Feast to let one prisoner go free. The people could choose the one they wanted.