[Agnes Heep]

The entire controversy is (and has) been spawned by the use of a simple, three-letter article, namely "the." I don't think there can be any doubt that "the" Jews didn't kill Jesus. However, I think it's equally obvious that certain Jews wanted him dead, and the Roman authority was only too willing to accommodate them. In fact, the Roman authority would have executed him regardless of what the locals might have thought. Their concern was the maintenance of order, while the Sanhedrin would have been scared to death of having the entire country ruined over the popular sedition fostered by a single man. If you don't believe this, mark the reaction of Josephus to the prospect of Roman retaliation nearly 40 years later. Jesus was put to death primarily because he was stirring up trouble. What's more, it appears that he knew this, and was actually tempting his fate.

[dennisw]

In fact, the Roman authority would have executed him regardless of what the locals might have thought.......

Crucifixation was done to many Jews as way of execution. In fact was a favorite Roman Empire method to execute anyone who defied their rule. Jesus defied some Jews who were in a position of power. But he also defied and riled up the Romans who were the rulers of the day. Roman Empire power was unstoppable and demolished the Jewish Temple one generation later.