33 The guards took Jesus and they smote him; mocked him; wrapped him in a royal robe; they made a crown of thorns and put it on his head; they put a broken reed into his hands;
34 And then they said deridingly, All hail, thou royal king! Where are your armies and your guards? Where are your subjects and your friends?
35 But Jesus answered not a word. Then Herod sent him back to Pilate with this note of courtesy:
36 Most worthy counsellor of Rome, I have examined all the charges and the testimonies that you sent to me regarding this seditious man from Galilee, and while I might adjudge him guilty of the crimes as charged,
37 I yield to you my rights as judge, because you are superior to me in power. I will approve of any judgment you may render in this case.
38 Now, Pilate and the tetrarch had been foes, but the experience of this hour destroyed their enmity and they were friends in after days.
39 When Jesus had been brought again to Pilate’s court, the Roman governor stood forth before the accusers of the Lord and said,
40 I cannot find this Nazarene to be a criminal as charged; there is no evidence that he should suffer death; so I will scourge him well and let him go.
41 The Jews cried angrily, It is not mete that such a dangerous man should live; he must be crucified.
42 Then Pilate said, I bid you wait a little time. And then he went into an inner room and sat in silent thought.