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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
and say that which they would never have been guilty of under other
circumstances. The disciple of Christ, who, in our day, disguises
his faith through dread of suffering or reproach, denies his Lord as
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virtually as did Peter in the judgment hall. There are always those who
boast of their freedom of thought and action, and laugh at the scruples
of the conscientious who fear to do wrong. Yet if those righteous
persons are persuaded to yield their faith, they are despised by the very
ones who were Satan’s agents to tempt them to their ruin.
Peter, however, as well as John, witnessed much of the mock trial
of Jesus. It was necessary that there should be a pretense of legal
trial; but great secrecy was maintained lest the people should obtain
information of what was being done, and come forward with their
testimony in vindication of Jesus, bringing to light the mighty works
which he had done. This would bring the indignation of the people
upon the Sanhedrim; their acts would be condemned and brought to
naught; and Jesus would be liberated and receive new honor at the
hands of the people.
While the members of the Sanhedrim council were being called
together, Annas and Caiaphas the priest questioned Jesus, with the
purpose of provoking him to make some statement which they could
use to his disadvantage. They brought two charges against him, by one
or both of which they meant to effect his condemnation. One was that
he was a disturber of the peace, the leader of a rebellion. If this charge
could be verified he would be condemned by the Roman authorities.
The other charge was that he was a blasphemer. This, if proved true,
would secure his condemnation among the Jews.
The high priest questioned Jesus concerning his doctrine, and the
disciples who believed in him. Jesus answered briefly: “I spake openly
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to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither
the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest
thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them;
behold, they know what I said.”
Jesus was well aware that his questioner designed to draw some
statement from him which should awaken the fears of the Roman
authorities that he was seeking to establish a secret society with the
purpose of finally setting up a new kingdom. He therefore plainly
stated to Annas that he had no secrets in regard to his purpose or doc-
trines. Turning upon his interrogator he said with startling emphasis,