John 19:7–13

7 “We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die,aa because he made himself the Son of God.”ab

8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. 9 He went back into the headquartersac and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer.ad 10 So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?”

11 “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”ae

12 From that moment Pilate kept tryingA to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!”

13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside. He sat down on the judge’s seat in a place called the Stone Pavement (but in Aramaic,* Gabbatha).