1. Who betrayed Jesus? Judas sold out Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
2. Why did the guards fall backwards? In verse six, they fell backwards probably because they saw His glory.
3. Who had the sword and why did he have it? Peter had the sword, which was probably about eighteen inches long, and he probably had it to defend himself and the others against those who would try to take the Lord. He was ready for a fight.
4. List the six trials. Jesus went to what would be called three Jewish trials and three Roman trials. The first Jewish trial was before Annas, which was like a grand jury. The second trial was before Caiaphas, who was the High Priest. The third trial was before the Sanhedrin. The three Roman trials were before Pilate, Herod, and then Pilate again. These trials were political trials. Herod did not have the right to try Him, but Pilate did not want to deal with Him because he knew Jesus was innocent.
5. Who was Annas? Why was he important? Annas was was high priest A.D. 7-14. In A.D. 25 Caiaphas, who had married the daughter of Annas (John 18:13), was raised to that office, and probably Annas was now made president of the Sanhedrim, or deputy or coadjutor of the high priest, and thus was also called high priest along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). By the Mosaic law the high-priesthood was held for life (Num. 3:10); and although Annas had been deposed by the Roman procurator, the Jews may still have regarded him as legally the high priest.
6. Who was Caiaphas? What was his office? He was the Jewish high priest (A.D. 27-36) at the beginning of our Lord's public ministry, in the reign of Tiberius (Luke 3:2), and also at the time of his condemnation and crucifixion (Matt. 26:3,57; John 11:49; 18:13, 14). He held this office during the whole of Pilate's administration. His wife was the daughter of Annas, who had formerly been high priest, and was probably the vicar or deputy (Heb. sagan) of Caiaphas. He was of the sect of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), and was a member of the council when he gave his opinion that Jesus should be put to death "for the people, and that the whole nation perish not" (John 11:50).
7. Who was Pilate? What was his office? He was the sixth in the order of the Roman procurators of Judea (A.D. 26-36). His headquarters were at Caesarea, but he frequently went up to Jerusalem. His reign extended over the period of the ministry of John the Baptist and of Jesus Christ, in connection with whose trial his name comes into prominent notice. Pilate was a "typical Roman, not of the antique, simple stamp, but of the imperial period, a man not without some remains of the ancient Roman justice in his soul, yet pleasure-loving, imperious, and corrupt. He hated the Jews whom he ruled, and in times of irritation freely shed their blood.
8. Who was Herod? What was his office? Herod was the Roman ruler over Galilee. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod because Jesus was Galilean, too. Pilate did not want to deal with Jesus.
9. What were the two charges against Christ? He was charged by the Jews with blasphemy and by the Romans with treason. He was not guilty of either crime.
10. How did Pilate try to release Jesus? Pilate told the Jews to judge Him. He said that Jesus was innocent. He tried to get the people to accept Jesus as the criminal released for that year, but the people chose Barabbas. He had Him scourged and tried once again to release Him to the people. Pilate said, "Behold the man," and tried to play on their pity. Later, he said, "Behold your King."
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 21 - Christ - The Lamb Of God
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