The judges were awakened at midnight; the Jewish High Priests that they might accuse Him, the heathen judges that they might condemn Him.

The High Priest Caiaphas left his couch right gladly; he was delighted that they had caught Him at last, but he thought that the High Priest Annas should frame the accusation; he was younger, better acquainted with the Roman laws, and would carry through the ticklish business most effectively.

He, Caiaphas, would hold himself ready for bearing testimony or sealing documents at any minute.

Annas, too, was delighted that the Galilean, who had insulted the Pharisees in the Temple in so unheard-of a fashion, was caught at last.

He would settle the matter this very night, before the people, on whom no reliance was to be placed, could interfere.