Trials of Jesus

Tod Kennedy, April 8, 2001

1. Jewish before Annas, the deposed high priest, the power behind the office. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the current high priest. This trial was held immediately after the arrest of Christ (John 18:12-24).

2. Jewish the trial before Caiaphas immediately followed the previous (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-56; John 18:24-27).

3. Jewish trial before the Sanhedrin was held the following morning (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71) probably because of the legal necessity of conforming to Jewish law. Trials must be in daylight.

4. Civil trial was held before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:11-5; Luke 23:1-7; John 18:28-38).

5. Civil trial before Herod is recorded in only one gospel (Luke 23:8-12).

6. Civil trial before Pilate resulted in a second acquittal and the offer to scourge and release Jesus (Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:18-25; John 18:29-19.16).

There are many references. These are readily available.

Jesus Christ Our Lord, John F Walvoord, Moody Press, Chicago, 1969, 128-129.