Matthew 26:57-68

Modern English Version

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin^(A)

⁵⁷ Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had assembled. ⁵⁸ But Peter followed Him from afar to the high priest’s courtyard and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end.

⁵⁹ The chief priests and the elders and the entire Sanhedrin searched for false witness against Jesus to put Him to death, ⁶⁰ but they found none. Yes, though many false witnesses came forward, they found none.

At last two false witnesses came forward ⁶¹ and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’ ”

⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.”

⁶⁴ Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further need do we have for witnesses? See, now you have heard His blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What do you think?”

They answered, “He is guilty unto death.”

⁶⁷ Then they spat in His face and struck Him. And others slapped Him with the palms of their hands, ⁶⁸ saying, “Prophesy to us, You Christ! Who is it that struck You?”