John 18:28-40

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

²⁸ Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium (judgment hall, governor’s palace). And it was early. They themselves did not enter the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled (become ceremonially unclean), but might be fit to eat the Passover [supper].

²⁹ So Pilate went out to them and said, What accusation do you bring against this ^[a]Man?

³⁰ They retorted, If He were not an evildoer (criminal), we would not have handed Him over to you.

³¹ Pilate said to them, Take Him yourselves and judge and sentence and punish Him according to your [own] law. The Jews answered, It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.

³² This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken to show (indicate, predict) by what manner of death He was to die.^(A)

³³ So Pilate went back again into the judgment hall and called Jesus and asked Him, Are You the King of the Jews?

³⁴ Jesus replied, Are you saying this of yourself [on your own initiative], or have others told you about Me?

³⁵ Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your [own] people and nation and their chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?

³⁶ Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source].

³⁷ Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice.

³⁸ Pilate said to Him, What is Truth? On saying this he went out to the Jews again and told them, I find no fault in Him.

³⁹ But it is your custom that I release one [prisoner] for you at the Passover. So shall I release for you the King of the Jews?

⁴⁰ Then they all shouted back again, Not Him [not this Man], but Barabbas! Now Barabbas was a robber.