Now the priests thought to make it appear that on this occasion Christ 726 had taught what they hoped He would teach. In their extremity they called false witnesses to their aid, "and they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King." Three charges, each without foundation. The priests knew this, but they were willing to commit perjury could they but secure their end.

Nu var det præsternes hensigt at få det til at se ud, som om Kristus ved denne lejlighed havde sagt det, som de håbede, han ville sige. I deres nød kaldte de falske vidner til hjælp, og "de begyndte at anklage ham og sagde: Vi er kommet efter, at denne mand vildleder vort folk og forbyder at give kejseren skat og siger om sig selv, at han er Kristus, en konge." Det var tre anklager, som alle savnede begrundelse. Præsterne vidste det godt, men de var villige til at sværge mened, hvis de derved kunne opnå, hvad de ville.