Page 525 - Bible History

498 CHRIST REDEEMS THE WORLD
soldiers hurried our Savior through the streets and brought m to the palace of Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiphas, the high priest of that year.
Formerly, Annas had been high priest himself, but he was deposed by the Roman governor. However, he was still held in great honor by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They felt that the Roman governor, in deposing him, had gone beyond his authority and had unlawfully interfered with their religion, which was no concern of his. Externally, they submitted to his order, but they continued to look upon Annas as the real high priest and to follow whatever advice and couns he might give them. It was through his in uence that
Caiphas, his son-in-law, had been raised to the o ce of high priest.
Word was now sent out to the members of the San­ hedrin, informing them that Jesus had been captured and ordering them to assemble at once in the house of Caiphas, in order to sit in judgment upon Him. Whilst they were waiting, Annas began to question Jesus con­ cerning His doctrine and His disciples. Jesus said to him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the Temple, whither all the Jews come together; and in secret I have spoken nothing. Why askest thou Me? Ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them. Behold, they know the things I have said.''
One of the servants, who was standing near, struck Jesus a blow upon the mouth, saying, ''Answerest thou the high priest so?" Jesus said, "If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest