Thenthe captainwent alongwith the officersand [proceeded] to bringthem [back] withoutviolence(for they were afraidof the people,that they might be stoned).
Although Herod wantedto put him to death,he fearedthe crowd,becausethey regardedJohnas a prophet.
"But ifwe say,'From men,'we fearthe people;for they allregardJohnas a prophet."
But they were saying,"Not duringthe festival,otherwisea riotmight occuramongthe people."
But Peterwas followingHim at a distanceas faras the courtyardof the high priest,and enteredin, and sat downwith the officersto seethe outcome.
The scribesand the chief prieststriedto layhandson Him that veryhour,and they fearedthe people;for they understoodthat He spokethisparableagainstthem.
"But ifwe say,'From men,'allthe peoplewill stone us to death,for they are convincedthat Johnwas a prophet."
The chief priestsand the scribeswere seekinghowthey might put Him to death;for they were afraidof the people.
And he went awayand discussedwith the chief priestsand officershowhe might betrayHim to them.
When they had threatened them further,they let them go(findingno basison which to punishthem) on accountof the people,becausethey were allglorifyingGodfor what had happened;
But noneof the restdaredto associatewith them; however,the peopleheld them in high esteem.
But the officerswho camedid not findthem in the prison;and they returnedand reportedback,
Nowwhenthe captainof the temple[guard] and the chief priestsheardthesewords,they were greatly perplexedaboutthem as to whatwould comeof this.
But someonecameand reportedto them, "The menwhomyou putin prisonare standingin the templeand teachingthe people!"
