Lexical Summary Pontios: Pontius Original Word: Πόντιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pontius. Of Latin origin; apparently bridged; Pontius, a Roman -- Pontius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Pontius (Pilate), a governor of Judea NASB Translation Pontius (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4194: ΠόντιοςΠόντιος, Ποντίου, ὁ, Pontius (a Roman name), the praenomen of Pilate, procurator of Judaea (see Πιλᾶτος): Matthew 27:2 (R G L); Luke 3:1; Acts 4:27; 1 Timothy 6:13. Topical Lexicon Name and Historical Setting Pontius (Πόντιος) identifies the Roman prefect better known as Pontius Pilate, who governed Judea from approximately AD 26–36 under Emperor Tiberius. His tenure fell between the earlier rule of Herod the Great’s sons and the later administrations that followed Agrippa I, providing the political backdrop for the public ministry, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Roman Prefect of Judea As prefect, Pilate commanded a small Roman garrison, collected imperial taxes, and maintained civil order in a province prone to unrest. He resided chiefly in Caesarea Maritima but traveled to Jerusalem during festivals to deter rebellion. Contemporary writers (Philo, Josephus) depict him as pragmatic yet often insensitive to Jewish religious concerns, leading to various confrontations before the climactic events of the Passion. Occurrences of Πόντιος in the New Testament • Luke 3:1 situates John the Baptist’s ministry “when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea.” Though Πόντιος occurs only in these three verses, Pilate’s fuller account unfolds chiefly in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 18–19. Pontius Pilate in the Gospel Narrative 1. Judicial Role: Pilate presides over the Roman phase of Jesus’ trial, declaring, “I find no basis for a charge against Him” (John 18:38) yet authorizing crucifixion to placate local leaders (John 19:16). Portrayal in Early Christian Preaching Acts 4:27 places Pilate among the earthly rulers who conspired against the Anointed One, yet within God’s predetermined plan (Acts 4:28). This underscores divine sovereignty overriding human opposition and frames Pilate as an unwilling instrument in redemptive history. Paul’s reference in 1 Timothy 6:13 highlights Christ’s bold witness before temporal authority, encouraging believers to hold fast under pressure. Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Roman crucifixion under Pilate satisfied Old Testament predictions of a pierced Messiah (Psalm 22:16; Isaiah 53:5). Historical Corroboration The “Pilate Stone” from Caesarea (discovered 1961) confirms his title as “Prefect of Judea.” Roman records note his recall to Rome after suppressing a Samaritan uprising. These data align with the New Testament timeframe and character sketch. Later Church Tradition and Confession By the second century, the Apostles’ Creed affirmed that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate,” embedding Pilate’s name as a chronological marker and testimony that the Incarnation intersected tangible history. Ministry Applications • Integrity under Pressure: Christ’s “good confession” before Pilate models steadfast witness amid governmental or cultural coercion. Forms and Transliterations Ποντιος Πόντιος Ποντιου Ποντίου ποντοπορούσης Pontios Póntios Pontiou PontíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 3:1 N-GMSGRK: Καίσαρος ἡγεμονεύοντος Ποντίου Πιλάτου τῆς NAS: Caesar, when Pontius Pilate KJV: Caesar, Pontius Pilate INT: Ceasar being governor Pontius Pilate Acts 4:27 N-NMS 1 Timothy 6:13 N-GMS Strong's Greek 4194 |
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