Homilies on the Gospel of John

“Crucify him, crucify him.”

Then Pilate, seeing that all was done in vain, said,

“Take ye him, and crucify him.”

Whence it is clear that he had permitted what had been done before, because of their madness.

“For I,” he says, “find no fault in him.”

2. See in how many ways the judge makes His defense, continually acquitting Him of the charges; but none of these things shamed the dogs from their purpose. For the, “Take ye him and crucify him,” is the expression of one clearing himself of the guilt, and thrusting them forward to an action not permitted to them. They therefore had brought Him, in order that the thing might be done by the decision of the governor; but the contrary fell out, that He was rather acquitted than condemned by the governor's decision. Then, because they were ashamed,