The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…

So much for the first act of Pilate, the second act followeth.

There is some difficulty in laying together the harmony of the Evangelists in this point, touching the order of the acts that passed in Pilates Court. This second act of Pilate that I am entering upon, is again acted by Pilate afterward, as we shall see in its time and place, Luk. 23.4. then said Pilate to the chief Priests and to the ⟨p. 89⟩people, I find no fault in this man, these words of Pilate are clearly annexed to the first examination, as appeareth, ver. 3. when Pilates question, and Jesus his answer were transacted, it was in the first examination as we saw in its place, and that which Pilate addeth, ver. 4. doth presently after follow; and therefore I place them next: And render them a part of the second act of Pilate; which I am now about to set down in the order of the History of actions, as they passed in Court, again, Joh. 18.30.31, 32. they answered and said unto him, if he were not a malefactor we would not have delivered him up unto thee; then said Pilate take ye him and judge him according to your Law. The Jews therefore said unto him, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death, that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which he spake, signifying what death he should dye. Which saying of Jesus Christ is recorded Math. 20.18, 19. behold we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief Priests, and unto the Scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him, and the third day he shall rise again. This part of the History which John relateth, was at, or about the time of the beginning of Pilates Court, as appeareth by the immediate foregoing words, ver. 28, 29. Therefore laying Lukes record and Johns record together the History proceedeth thus. When Pilate had given the accusers leave to produce what they would against him, and had diligently examined all that they had said, and called Jesus to answer for himself, though he was silent and answered nothing, to Pilates admiration, seeing he might so easily have made void all that they had said against him. Now Pilate turneth his speech to the Priests and Elders his accusers, and argueth with them, you have delivered up this man to be put to death, but I find no fault in him, for which I should judge him to dye, many things you say but prove nothing.