He first thought that he would acquit our Saviour, whom he well knew to be innocent, but then he feared incurring the wrath of his false gods if he spared him, as he fancied he might be a species of demigod, and obnoxious to them.

'It is possible,' said he inwardly, 'that this man may really be that king of the Jews concerning whose coming there are so many prophecies.

It was a king of the Jews whom the Magi came from the East to adore.

Perhaps he is a secret enemy both of our gods and of the emperor; it might be most imprudent in me to spare his life.

Who knows whether his death would not be a triumph to my gods ?' Then he remembered the wonderful dreams described to him by his wife, who had never seen Jesus, and he again changed, and decided that it would be safer not to condemn him.