populace so well, that they feared them more, if they should lay hands on Christ, than the rulers, if they should fail to take Him. Indeed, although they did not dare speak openly about it, yet it was a matter of great wonder that the preaching of Jesus was allowed.
"So He speaketh boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?" It was rumoured in Jerusalem that both Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate believed in the Nazarene, both as the Son of God and as the King of the Jews; or, at all events, that they did not dare deny it. It became a matter of superstition amongst the poorer people that he who should first lay hands on Him would die a terrible death. This fear communicated itself to the very soldiers who were sent out to fetch Him. To the question: "Why have ye not brought Him?" they would answer: "Never man spake like this Man." Yet all the Pharisees durst answer was: "Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers of the Pharisees believed on Him? but this people, who knoweth not the law, are cursed, and they alone believe."
