“He stirs up the people, he breaks the law, he is a glutton and wine-bibber, and he blasphemes God. Yes, he says that he himself is God, the Son of the Highest.”
“Have you witnesses to this?”
“Yes, but they contradict each other.”
“Then procure better witnesses, who will agree. But now, Priest, we must talk of something else. You know that the Senate have decreed the apotheosis of the Emperor, and that his image is to be set up in the Temple. What do you think about it?”
“We live by the favour of the Emperor. But if this abomination is done, we will all die as the Maccabees did.”
“Then die!”
Caiaphas considered a moment before he answered. “I will summon the Sanhedrim, and tell them what the Emperor wishes.”
“Yes, do that. And before the Passover you must bring the Galilaean before me, for I wish to see him.”
“I will.”
“Then go in peace.”