⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin^(A) were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But they did not find any, though many false witnesses^(B) came forward.

Finally two^(C) came forward ⁶¹ and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”^(D)

⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent.^(E)

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath^(F) by the living God:^(G) Tell us if you are the Messiah,^(H) the Son of God.”^(I)

⁶⁴ “You have said so,”^(J) Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One^(K) and coming on the clouds of heaven.”^[a](L)

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes^(M) and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,”^(N) they answered.

⁵⁵ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin^(A) were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. ⁵⁶ Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

⁵⁷ Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: ⁵⁸ “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another,^(B) not made with hands.’” ⁵⁹ Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

⁶⁰ Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶¹ But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.^(C)

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”^(D)

⁶² “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”^(E)

⁶³ The high priest tore his clothes.^(F) “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. ⁶⁴ “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death.^(G)

The High Priest Questions Jesus^(A)

¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues^(B) or at the temple,^(C) where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.^{(D) 21} Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials^(E) nearby slapped him in the face.^(F) “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

²³ “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”^{(G) 24} Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas^(H) the high priest.