Meanwhile the Redeemer preserved a solemn and impressive silence, neither interrupting, nor replying to the questions of the high-priest or the statements of His accusers (Mtt. xxvi. 62; Mk. xiv. 60). He condescended not to any defence. Nothing therefore remained but, if possible, to make Him criminate Himself. Once more, then, the high-priest _stood up in the midst_ (Mk. xiv. 60), and in the most solemn manner adjured Him in the name of Jehovah to declare whether _He was the Messiah, the Son of God_ (Comp. Mtt. xxvi. 63; Mk. xiv. 61). Thus formally addressed, the Holy One at length broke the silence He had hitherto maintained, saying, in reply to the question, _I am; and hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven_[519]. He thus in the most solemn and explicit manner asserted that He was not only the Messiah, but the Son of God, and that in the sublimest sense of the words. All was now uproar and confusion. In token of his horror the high-priest rent his clothes, and pronounced the utterance of the Redeemer to be direct and treasonable blasphemy. _What further need_, he exclaimed, _have we of witnesses? Ye have heard His blasphemy: what think ye?_ (Mtt. xxvi. 65; Mk. xiv. 63, 64). Carried away by his vehement gestures and words, and his great influence, the court pronounced their opinion, _He is guilty of death_ (Mtt. xxvi. 66). Worse than false prophet, worse than false Messiah, He had declared Himself to be the _Son of God_, and that in the presence of the high-priest and the great council of the nation. He had incurred the capital penalty. And now ensued a scene of fearful violence. The bystanders were permitted to do their worst to One thus declared guilty of blasphemy. Some _spat upon His face_; others _smote Him with the palms of their hands_; others _blindfolded_ Him, and in derision of His Messianic claims bade Him detect the hand that had been raised against Him (Mtt. xxvi. 67, 68; Mk. xiv. 65; Lk. xxii. 63, 64).