How many trials of Jesus are in John's Gospel?

Answer 1

There were two trials. Jesus was questioned and indicted by Annas, the previous High priest, who then bound Him sent Him to Caiphas, where He was falsely condemned. Since it was the Passover, these errant leaders illegally trying Christ, did not wish public exposure to their activity and spoil their religious ritual. "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover." John 18:28. Thus Pilate tried Jesus, but found "in him no fault at all." As he attempted to release Christ, after a custom at Passover (v.39), the crowd demanded that he release Barabbas instead. He thus delivered Christ to be crucified, after declaring: "I find no fault in him." John 19:6. He then attempted to release Christ once more, but the crowd insisted: "Crucify him." (v.15).

Answer 2

The synoptic gospels describe two trials of Jesus, first before the court of the Sanhedrin, at 3:00 o'clock in the morning, then before Pontius Pilate at 6:00 o'clock, as soon as it was morning. However, it is most improbable that the Sanhedrin would go against long-standing custom by holding a night-time court.John'saccount resolves this by eliminating the first trial and merely having Jesus brought separately before Annas and then Caiaphas. Thus there is only one formal trial, that before Pontius Pilate.