Pilate Questions Jesus

18:33 So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence,94 summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”95 18:34 Jesus replied,96 “Are you saying this on your own initiative,97 or have others told you about me?” 18:35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I?98 Your own people99 and your chief priests handed you over100 to me. What have you done?”

18:36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my servants would be fighting to keep me from being101 handed over102 to the Jewish authorities.103 But as it is,104 my kingdom is not from here.” 18:37 Then Pilate said,105 “So you are a king!” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to106 my voice.” 18:38 Pilate asked,107 “What is truth?”108

When he had said this he went back outside to the Jewish leaders109 and announced,110 “I find no basis for an accusation111 against him. 18:39 But it is your custom that I release one prisoner112 for you at the Passover.113 So do you want me to release for you the king of the Jews?” 18:40 Then they shouted back,114 “Not this man,115 but Barabbas!”116 (Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.117)118