And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him,
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. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
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? Jesus answered him,
[345]If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. And with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among the servants, and warmed himself at the fire, to see the end.
CHAPTER LXX.
JESUS EXAMINED BY THE SANHEDRIM—PETER DENIES HIM.
NOW the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none: their witness agreed not together. At the last came two false witnesses, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I am able to destroy the temple of God, that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together.