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Who was Pilate?


Introduction. The Jewish leaders could not answer Jesus' poignant teaching and arguments (Matt. 22: 46). Rather than accept his teaching, they were determined to destroy Jesus. Hence, they began to plot Jesus' murder (Luke 22: 2). However, the Jews in and around Jerusalem were under Roman rule and were not allowed themselves to exercise capital punishment. Therefore, they had to come up with false charges against Jesus that would allow them to appeal to Rome (Luke 23: 2). Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor before whom they would press charges against the sinless Son of God (Matt. 27: 2).

What we know of Pilate. Pontius was one of the most famous of Sammite names. Pilate was the fifth Procurator of Judea. Josephus tells us that Pilate held office for ten years (26-36 A. D.). Other than in the gospels, Pilate is mentioned three times in Acts and once later by Paul (Acts 3: 13; 4: 27; 13: 28; 1 Tim. 6: 13). The main function of the Roman governor during the rule of Pilate was to attempt to keep peace between the Jews and Rome (cp. Mk. 15: 15).

Pilate's judgment regarding Jesus. Pilate listened to the charges the Jews brought against Jesus (Matt. 27: 11-26; Mk. 15: 2-15; Luke 23: 1-25; John 18: 29-40). Pilate's apparent concern was regarding Jesus' kingship. It was in this climate that Jesus said to Pilate: "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18: 36). In view of Jesus not being a physical king, Pilate had no interest in the matter. Pilate knew "that for envy they had delivered him" (Matt. 27: 18). Even though Pilate knew Jesus was guiltless, he appeased the demands of the Jews (Matt. 27: 18ff. Acts 3: 13).

Conclusion. Regardless of the fact Pilate "washed his hands" relative to Jesus' crucifixion, he remained guilty of the murder of Jesus (Matt. 27: 24; Acts 4: 27). The "good confession" Jesus provided Pilate was of no avail (1 Tim. 6: 13).
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