Reconstructed Narrative Of The Opening Of The Roman Trial

Presentation of the Prisoner to Pilate:
They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the palace: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the palace, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.

Pilate’s demand for the “Accusatio”:
Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?

The priests’ obvious reluctance to produce a charge:
They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.

Pilate’s rejoinder:
Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.

The priests’ reply with an improvised charge:
The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.

Pilate’s question to the Prisoner:
Pilate therefore entered again into the palace, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?