Page 241 - Четворојеванђеље

Chapter 27 (241) GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
charges they present against you?” Jesus gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the gover- nor was astonished. Now, for the festival, the governor had the custom to release one prisoner to the crowd, whoever they desired. At that time, they had a notable prisoner called Barabbas. When they were gathered, Pilate asked them, “Who do you want me to release to you? Barab- bas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?” For he per- ceived that it was because of envy that they had arrested him. While Pilate was sitting on the judg- ment seat, his wife sent a note to him that said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man! Today, I have suffered many things in a dream because of him.” Now, the chief priests and the presbyters convinced the crowds to ask for Barab- bas and to have Jesus done away with. But the governor asked them, Which one of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barab- bas!” Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ? They all replied, “Let him be crucified!” The governor asked, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they cried out loud- ly, saying, “Let him be crucified!” And so, when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man. You see to it.” All the people answered,