Instead of interrogating Jesus respecting positive acts done, with their circumstances, and respecting facts personal to himself, Caiaphas interrogates him respecting general facts, respecting his disciples (whom it would have been much more simple to have called as witnesses), and respecting his doctrine, which was a mere abstraction so long as no external acts were the consequence of it. “The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine.” John xviii. 19.
Jesus answered with dignity: “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” Ib. 20.
“Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them; behold, they know what I said.” Ib. 21.
“And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?” Ib. 22.
Will it here be still said, that this violence was the individual act of the person who thus struck the accused? I answer, that on this occasion the fact took place in the presence and under the eyes of the whole council; and, as the high priest who presided did not restrain the author of it, I come to the conclusion, that he became an accomplice, especially when this violence was committed under the pretence of avenging the alleged affront to his dignity.
But in what respect could the answer of Jesus appear offensive? “If I have spoken evil,” said Jesus, “bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?”[405] John xviii. 23.
There remained no mode of escaping from this dilemma. They accused Jesus; it was for those, who accused, to prove their accusation. An accused person is not obliged to criminate himself. He should have been convicted by proofs; he himself called for them. Let us see what witnesses were produced against him.
Section VI.—Witnesses.—New Interrogatories.—The Judge in a Passion.
“And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.” Mark xiv. 55.
“For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.” Ib. 56.