58. “We heard him say he would tear down this temple that we built. He also claimed that in three days he would build another one without any help.”
59. But even then they did not agree on what they said.
60. The high priest stood up in the council and asked Jesus, “Why don't you say something in your own defence? Don't you hear the charges they are making against you?”
61. But Jesus kept quiet and did not say a word. The high priest asked him another question, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the glorious God?”
62. “Yes, I am!” Jesus answered.“Soon you will seethe Son of Mansitting at the right sideof God All-Powerful,and coming with the cloudsof heaven.”
63. At once the high priest ripped his robe apart and shouted, “Why do we need more witnesses?
64. You heard him claim to be God! What is your decision?” They all agreed that he should be put to death.
65. Some of the people started spitting on Jesus. They blindfolded him, hit him with their fists, and said, “Tell us who hit you!” Then the guards took charge of Jesus and beat him.
66. While Peter was still in the courtyard, a servant girl of the high priest came up
67. and saw Peter warming himself by the fire. She stared at him and said, “You were with Jesus from Nazareth!”
68. Peter replied, “That isn't true! I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have any idea what you mean.” He went out to the gate, and a cock crowed.
69. The servant girl saw Peter again and said to the people standing there, “This man is one of them!”
70. “No, I'm not!” Peter replied.A little while later some of the people said to Peter, “You certainly are one of them. You're a Galilean!”
71. This time Peter began to curse and swear, “I don't even know the man you're talking about!”
72. Straight away the cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had told him, “Before a cock crows twice, you will say three times that you don't know me.” So Peter started crying.