(10) How did those ruffians capture him?
S. Matthew says: They came to him with swords and staves after they were
directed to him by a Jew, then they captured him as described in verse 57:
"And they that had laid hold on Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high
priest, where the elders were assembled."
There they passed the sentence of death on him. The ruffians then took him
away, spat in his face and struck him with their hands after which they stripped
him of his clothes and clad him in scarlet robes, then placed a crown of thorns
on his head and took him about, teasing and mocking him. They said to him: 'You
are the king of Israel according to your claim.' They severely degraded him.
(11) Who finally decided on the death sentence against him?
S. Matthew says: He was Pontius Pilate, a Greek Roman, who was at that time
the governor in Palestine.
(12) When the ruffians brought that man before the governor and informed him
that the priest of the Jews passed the sentence of death by crucifixion
according to their law (Torah), did he believe in them without investigation?
S. Matthew says: He did not believe them but asked that man: Is it true what
they have said? He remained silent. The question was repeated and he continued
to remain silent. He remained silent in view of the truth; it was essential for
him even if he was not a Prophet to clarify the truth and deny the false
accusation of the Jews. The governor's wife went to the governor and she said to
him: "Have thou nothing to do with that just man? for I have suffered many
things this day in a dream because of him."
The Bible states that Jesus delivered lengthy speeches to the Jews rebuking
and warning them which amounted to defaming them. Then why was he silent that
day? The governor's intention for asking him was to stand for the truth.
(13) How was he crucified according to their assumption?
St. Matthew says: They crucified him between two thieves both of whom abused
him by saying to him, "if you are truthful then save yourself."
(14) This was a great calamity. What did he say while on the cross according
to their assumption?
S. Matthew says (27:46):
"Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That
is to say, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"