But first of all, an accusation was to be found. They had gained nothing as yet. Annas ordered Jesus to be taken to Caiaphas. Caiaphas belonged to the Sadducees, some of whom were now the most desperate enemies of Jesus. He himself, though wanting in force of character, was fully as severe, heartless, and unscrupulous as was Annas. He would leave no means untried to destroy Jesus. It was now early morning, and very dark; by the light of torches and lanterns the armed band with their prisoner proceeded to the high priest's palace. Here, while the members of the Sanhedrin were coming together, Annas and Caiaphas again questioned Jesus, but without success.

Men allerførst måtte man finde på en anklage. Endnu havde de ikke fundet nogen som helst. Annas gav befaling til, at Jesus skulle føres til Kajfas. Denne hørte til saddukæerne, af hvilke nogle var Jesu argeste fjender. Han selv var, skønt han manglede karakterstyrke, fuldt så hård, hjerteløs og samvittighedsløs som Annas. Han ville ikke sky noget middel for at tilintetgøre Jesus. Det var nu tidlig morgen, og det var meget mørkt. Ved faklernes og lygternes skær begav den bevæbnede skare sig med deres fange til ypperstepræstens palads. Medens rådets medlemmer forsamlede sig, udspurgte Annas og Kajfas atter Jesus her, men uden resultat.