⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin^(A) were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But they did not find any, though many false witnesses^(B) came forward.

Finally two^(C) came forward ⁶¹ and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”^(D)

⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”

⁶⁷ Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists.^(A) Others slapped him ⁶⁸ and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”^(B)

⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?^{(A) 54} But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled^(B) that say it must happen in this way?”

¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life^(A)—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.^(B) I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”^(C)

²⁴ But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. ²⁵ He did not need any testimony about mankind,^(A) for he knew what was in each person.^(B)

³⁵ Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour^(A) might pass from him. ³⁶ “Abba,^[a] Father,”^(B) he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup^(C) from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”^(D)

¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(A) 20} But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.^{(B) 21} To this^(C) you were called,^(D) because Christ suffered for you,^(E) leaving you an example,^(F) that you should follow in his steps.

²³ When they hurled their insults at him,^(I) he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.^(J) Instead, he entrusted himself^(K) to him who judges justly.^{(L) 24} “He himself bore our sins”^(M) in his body on the cross,^(N) so that we might die to sins^(O) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^{(P) 25} For “you were like sheep going astray,”^[b](Q) but now you have returned to the Shepherd^(R) and Overseer of your souls.^(S)

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(A) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^[b](B)