John 18:28-40

28Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium (governor’s palace). Now it was early and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium so that they would not be [ceremonially] unclean, but might [be able to] eat [and participate in the Feast of Unleavened Bread which began after] the Passover [supper].

29So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”

30They answered, “If He were not a criminal, we would not have handed Him over to you [for judgment].”

31Then Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your own law.” The Jews said, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.”

32This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken to indicate by what manner of death He was going to die.

33So Pilate went into the Praetorium again, and called Jesus and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34Jesus replied, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

35Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and their chief priests have handed You over to me. What have You done [that is worthy of death]?”

36Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world [nor does it have its origin in this world]. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting [hard] to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this world.”

37So Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a King?” Jesus answered, “You say [correctly] that I am a King. This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth [who is a friend of the truth and belongs to the truth] hears and listens carefully to My voice.”

38Pilate said to Him [scornfully], “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no guilt in Him [no crime, no cause for an accusation].

39But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. So shall I release for you the King of the Jews?”

40Then they all shouted back again, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.