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.
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my companions watched for my downfall, saying, Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
Therefore the princes said to the king, We plead with you, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man seeks not the welfare of this people, but their hurt.
Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.
Nevertheless, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money: take that, and give it to them for me and you.
Said to them, You have brought this man to me, as one who perverts the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man concerning those things of which you accuse him:
And from that time on Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If you let this man go, you are not Caesar’s friend: whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: