2. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar and saying that He Himself is Messiah—a king.”
3. So Pilate questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “As you say,” Yeshua replied.
4. Then Pilate said to the ruling kohanim and the crowds, “I find no case against this Man.”
5. But they kept insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, starting from the Galilee to as far as here.”
6. But when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the Man was a Galilean.
7. And when he learned that Yeshua was from Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
8. Now Herod was overjoyed when he saw Yeshua, for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle done by Him.
9. He was questioning Yeshua on many issues, but Yeshua did not answer at all.
10. And the ruling kohanim and the Torah scholars stood their ground, strongly accusing Him.
11. Now Herod together with his soldiers were treating Him with contempt and mocking Him. They put splendid clothing on Him and sent Him back to Pilate.
12. And Herod and Pilate became friends with one another from that very day, for previously they had been enemies with one another.
13. Now Pilate called together the ruling kohanim, the leaders, and the people.
14. And he said to them, “You brought this Man to me as one who incites the people to revolt. But having examined Him in your presence, I have found no case against this Man regarding what you accuse Him of doing.
15. Nor did Herod, for he sent Him back to us. Indeed, He has done nothing that is worthy of death.
16. Therefore I will scourge Him and release Him.”
17. [footnote: Some mss. add: Now Pilate needed to release one prisoner to them at the feast.]