58. But Peter followed along at a distance and came to the courtyard of the high priest's palace. He went in and sat down with the guards to see what was going to happen.
59. The chief priests and the whole council wanted to put Jesus to death. So they tried to find some people who would tell lies about him in court.
60. But they could not find any, even though many did come and tell lies. At last, two men came forward
61. and said, “This man claimed that he would tear down God's temple and build it again in three days.”
62. The high priest stood up and asked Jesus, “Why don't you say something in your own defence? Don't you hear the charges they are making against you?”
63. But Jesus did not answer. So the high priest said, “With the living God looking on, you must tell the truth. Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?”
64. “That is what you say!” Jesus answered. “But I tell all of you,‘Soon you will seethe Son of Mansitting at the right sideof God All-Powerfuland coming on the cloudsof heaven.’ ”
65. The high priest then tore his robe and said, “This man claims to be God! We don't need any more witnesses! You have heard what he said.
66. What do you think?”They answered, “He is guilty and deserves to die!”
67. Then they spat in his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped him
68. and said, “You think you are the Messiah! So tell us who hit you!”
69. While Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, a servant girl came up to him and said, “You were with Jesus from Galilee.”
70. But in front of everyone Peter said, “That isn't so! I don't know what you are talking about!”
71. When Peter had gone out to the gate, another servant girl saw him and said to some people there, “This man was with Jesus from Nazareth.”
72. Again Peter denied it, and this time he swore, “I don't even know that man!”