But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
Rather, ye will then (when the Vindicator cometh) say, Why did we persecute him?
Root ... in me - the root of pious integrity, which was the matter at issue whether it could be in one so afflicted, is found in me. Umbreit, with many MSS. and versions, reads 'in him:' 'Why did we persecute him, or how found we in him ground for contention?' Noyes translates, 'Since ye say, How may we persecute him, and find ground of acusation against him? be afraid of the sword,' etc. The English version, however, accords well with the sense. 'Seeing the root of the matter is found in me, ye will then say (when the Vindicator comes,) Why did we persecute him?'