AUV(i)
28 Then, early in the morning they led Jesus from Caiaphas to [governor Pilate’s] headquarters. But the Jewish authorities would not enter it, because [if they had] they would have become ceremonially unclean, and could not eat the Passover meal. [Note: This was because they regarded a Gentile house as defiling].
29 So, Pilate went outside to them and asked, “What charge do you bring against this man?”
30 The Jewish authorities answered Pilate, “If this man were not guilty of wrongdoing, we would not have turned him over to you.”
31 So, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your [own] law.” [But] the Jews replied to him, “It is not permissible for us to put anyone to death.”
32 [They said this] so that the words Jesus had spoken would be fulfilled, regarding the kind of death He would die. [Note: Jesus had predicted he would be “lifted up,” indicating a Roman crucifixion. See 12:32-33].
33 So, Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus. He said to Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”
34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this of your own accord, or did other people tell you about me?”
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own people and the leading priests turned you over to me. What have you done?”
36 Jesus answered him, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If it did, then my servants [i.e., disciples] would fight to keep me from being turned over to the Jews. But now my kingdom does not belong here.” [i.e., Jesus’ kingdom was not based on physical, but spiritual principles].
37 So, Pilate said to Him, “Are you a king, then?” Jesus answered, “You are [correct in] calling me a ‘king.’ This was the [very] purpose for which I was born and came into the world, that I should testify about the truth. Every person who wants [to know and obey] the truth listens to me.”
38 Pilate replied to Him, “What is truth?” After saying this, Pilate again went outside to the Jews and said to them, “I do not find him guilty of any crime.