Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Ver. 16. Then delivered he him, &c.] Overcome by their importunity, and over awed by the fear of Caesar to condenm the innocent. It was Cato's complaint, that private men's thieves are laid by the heels, and in cold irons; but these public thieves that wrong and rob the commonwealth sit in scarlet, with gold chains about their necks. Sinisterity is an enemy to sincerity. a All self-respects and corrupt ends must be laid aside by men in authority and justice, as Moses speaks, that is, pure justice without mud must run down,Deuteronomy 16:20. Durescite, durescite, said the smith to the duke, that dared not do justice.
a Privatorum fures in nervo et compedibus vitam agunt; publici in auro et purpura visuntur. Gellius, Attic Nights, l. 11. c. 18. 2:349