1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the Kidron valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

3 So Judas, having received a detachment of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

4 Then Jesus, knowing all that was to come upon him, went forward and said to them, »Whom do you seek?«

5 They answered him, »Jesus of Nazareth.« Jesus said to them, »I am he.« And Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.

6 When he said to them, »I am he,« they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, »Whom do you seek?« And they said, »Jesus of Nazareth.«

8 Jesus answered, »I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.«

9 This happened so that the words which he had spoken would be fulfilled, »Of those whom you gave me I have lost none.«

10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11 Jesus said to Peter, »Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?«

12 Then the detachment of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.

13 And they led him to Annas first; for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

14 Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.

16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the girl who kept the door, and brought Peter in.

17 Then the girl who kept the door said to Peter, »You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?« He said, »I am not.«

18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 Jesus answered him, »I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together, and I have said nothing in secret.

21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.«

22 And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, »Is that the way you answer the high priest?«

23 Jesus answered him, »If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?«

24 Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 Now Simon Peter stood warming himself. Therefore they said to him, »You are not also one of his disciples, are you?« He denied it and said, »I am not.«

26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, »Did I not see you in the garden with him?«

27 Peter again denied it; and at once a rooster crowed.

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they did not enter the Praetorium themselves, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.

29 So Pilate went out to them and said, »What accusation do you bring against this man?«

30 They answered him, »If he were not an evildoer, we would not have handed him over to you.«

31 Pilate said to them, »Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.« The Jews said to him, »It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.«

32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken would be fulfilled, showing by what death he was going to die.

33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to him, »Are you the King of the Jews?«

34 Jesus answered, »Do you say this on your own, or did others say it to you about me?«

35 Pilate answered, »Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me; what have you done?«

36 Jesus answered, »My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now my kingship is not from here.«

37 Pilate said to him, »You are a king then?« Jesus answered, »You say what I am—a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.«

38 Pilate said to him, »What is truth?« After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again, and told them, »I find no crime in him.

39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?«

40 Then they all cried again, »Not this man, but Barabbas!« Now Barabbas was a robber.