The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ

25 But Jesus said, Stay, Peter, stay; put up your sword; you are not called to fight with swords and clubs. Whoever wields the sword shall perish by the sword.

26 I do not need protection by the sons of men, for I could call this moment and a legion, yea, twelve legions of the messengers of God, would come and stand in my defense; but then it is not well.

27 And then he said to Malchus, Man, I would not have you harmed. And then he laid his hand upon the wound that Peter made, and it was healed.

28 Then Jesus said, Be not concerned lest I should tear myself away from you and flee to save my life. I have no wish to save my life; do with me as you wish.

29 And then the mob rushed up to seize the eleven to take them back to stand for trial as the aids of Jesus in his crimes.

30 But the disciples, every one of them, deserted Jesus, and they fled to save their lives.

31 Now, John was last to flee; the mob laid hold of him and tore his garments all to shreds; but he escaped in nakedness.

32 Massalian saw the man, and took him to his home and gave him other clothes; and then he followed after them who led the Lord away.

33 And Peter was ashamed because of his weak cowardice, and when he was himself again he joined with John and followed close behind the mob, and came into Jerusalem.

SECTION XIX

KOPH

The Trial and Execution of Jesus

CHAPTER 165

Jesus before Caiaphas. Peter denies his Lord thrice. The indictment, signed by seven ruling Jews. A hundred perjured witnesses testify to the truth of the charges.

Caiaphas was the high priest of the Jews; the mob led Jesus to his palace hall.

2 The court had been convened, and all the galleries were packed with scribes and Pharisees already sworn as witnesses against the Lord.

3 The maid who kept the palace door knew John, and this disciple asked that he and Peter be admitted to the hall.

4 The maid permitted them to enter in, and John went in; but Peter was afraid and tarried in the outer court.

5 The woman said to Peter, as he stood beside the door, Are you a follower of this man from Galilee?

6 And Peter said, No, I am not.

7 The men who had brought Jesus to the hall sat by a fire in the outer court, because the night was cool, and Peter sat with them.

8 Another maid who waited in the place saw Peter and she said to him, You surely are from Galilee; your speech is that of Galilee; you are a follower of this man.

9 And Peter said, I know not what you mean; I do not even know this man.

10 And then a servant of Caiaphas, one of those who seized the Lord and brought him to the court, saw Peter and he said to him,

11 Did I not see you in the orchard of Massalian with this seditious Nazarene? I’m sure I did, and you are one of those who followed him.

12 Then Peter rose and stamped upon the floor, and swore by every sacred thing, that he knew not the criminal.

13 Now, John was standing near and when he heard the words and knew that Peter had denied his Lord, he looked at him in sheer astonishment.

14 Just then a cock crew loud beneath the court, and Peter called to mind the words the Lord had said,

15 Before the cock shall crow tomorrow morn you will deny me thrice.

16 And Peter’s conscience smote him heavily, and he went out into the night and wept.

17 Caiaphas sat in state; before him stood the man from Galilee.

18 Caiaphas said, You people of Jerusalem, who is the man that you accuse?

19 They answered: In the name of every loyal Jew we do accuse this man from Galilee, this Jesus, who assumes to be our king, as enemy of God and man.

2 °Caiaphas said to Jesus, Man, you are permitted now to speak and tell about your doctrines and your claims.

21 And Jesus said, You priest of carnal man, why do you ask about my words and works?

22 Lo, I have taught the multitudes in every public place; I have restored your sick to health: have opened up your blinded eyes; have caused your deaf to hear, your lame to walk, and I have brought your dead to life again.

23 My works have not been done in secret place but in your public halls and thoroughfares.

24 Go ask the people, who have not been bought with gold or glittering promises, to tell about my words and works.

25 When Jesus had thus said a Jewish guard came up and smote him in the face and said, How dare you speak thus unto him, the high priest of the Jews?

26 And Jesus said, If I have spoken falsely bear witness unto what I say; if I have told the truth why did you smite me thus?

27 And then Caiaphas said, What’er you do, do in a legal way, for we must answer to a higher court for everything we do or say.

28 Let the accusers of this man present their charges in a legal form.

29 And then Caiaphas’ scribe stood forth and said, I have the accusations here in legal form; the charges made and signed by scribes and priests and Pharisees.

3 °Caiaphas said, Be still, you men, and hear the charges read. The scribe took up a roll and read:

31 To the Sanhedrim of the Jews and to Caiaphas the high priest, most honored men:

32 The highest duty man can render to his nation and his own is to protect them from their foes.

33 The people of Jerusalem are conscious that a mighty foe is in their very midst.

34 A man named Jesus has come forth and claims to be the heir to David’s throne.

35 As an impostor he is foe, and in the name of every loyal Jew we here submit these charges, which we are competent to prove:

36 And first, he blasphemes God; he says he is the son of God; that he and God are one;