Pilate's
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Introduction:
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea from approximately 26-36 AD, is a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily known for his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His governance and decisions have been subjects of theological and historical analysis, reflecting his complex character and the political tensions of the time.

Historical Context:
Pilate served under Emperor Tiberius and was the fifth prefect of the Roman province of Judea. His tenure was marked by a series of conflicts with the Jewish population, stemming from his insensitivity to their religious customs and his often harsh administrative methods. Historical sources, including the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus, provide additional insights into his rule, often portraying him as a figure of controversy and brutality.

Biblical Account:
In the Gospels, Pilate is depicted as the Roman authority who presided over the trial of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew describes Pilate's initial reluctance to condemn Jesus, as he found no fault in Him: "What crime has He committed?" (Matthew 27:23). Despite his wife's warning about a troubling dream concerning Jesus (Matthew 27:19), Pilate ultimately capitulated to the demands of the crowd, symbolically washing his hands to indicate his claimed innocence in the matter: "I am innocent of this man’s blood. You bear the responsibility" (Matthew 27:24).

In the Gospel of John, Pilate's interrogation of Jesus reveals a philosophical exchange about kingship and truth. Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36), prompting Pilate's famous question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, Pilate succumbs to political pressure, fearing unrest and potential repercussions from Rome.

Role in the Crucifixion:
Pilate's decision to hand Jesus over to be crucified is a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative. The Gospel of Mark succinctly states, "Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified" (Mark 15:15). This act of political expediency highlights Pilate's struggle between justice and maintaining order, ultimately prioritizing his position and authority over moral conviction.

Theological Implications:
Pilate's role in the crucifixion of Jesus is often viewed through the lens of divine providence, as his actions, though politically motivated, fulfilled the prophetic Scriptures concerning the Messiah's suffering and death. The Apostles' Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief, acknowledges Pilate's involvement, underscoring the historical reality of Jesus' crucifixion: "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried."

Legacy and Tradition:
Pilate's legacy is complex, with various traditions and apocryphal writings offering differing perspectives on his later life and death. Some early Christian writings suggest he may have converted to Christianity, while others depict him as a tragic figure caught in the machinations of history. His portrayal in art and literature often reflects the enduring fascination with his character and the moral dilemmas he faced.

Conclusion:
While Pilate's historical and biblical portrayal is multifaceted, his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus remains a central element of the Gospel narrative, illustrating the intersection of divine purpose and human agency.
Greek
5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak
... 5.1.10), a soldier's sagum or scarf. Carr () suggests that it may have been a
worn-out scarf of Pilate's" (, 1, 229).]. Word Origin a prim. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5511.htm - 7k
Library

Description of Pilate's Palace and the Adjacent Buildings.
... CHAPTER XVI. Description of Pilate's Palace and the adjacent Buildings.
The palace of the Roman governor, Pilate, was built on the ...
/.../chapter xvi description of pilates.htm

Pilate's Suicide.
... Book II. Chapter VII."Pilate's Suicide. It is ... period. [324]. Footnotes:
[323] Pilate's downfall occurred in the following manner. A ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii pilates suicide.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... The DESIRE of AGES Chapter 77 In Pilate's Judgment Hall. ... In the judgment hall of
Pilate, the Roman governor, Christ stands bound as a prisoner. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

Pilate's Fruitless Efforts to Save Jesus. --The Dream of Pilate's ...
... CHAPTER VI. THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION. Section 287. Pilate's fruitless
Efforts to save Jesus."The Dream of Pilate's Wife. In ...
/.../section 287 pilates fruitless efforts.htm

Of the Absence of any Discrepancies in the Accounts which the ...
... Prologue. Chapter VIII."Of the Absence of Any Discrepancies in the Accounts Which
the Evangelists Give of What Took Place in Pilate's Presence. 32. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter viii of the absence of.htm

Of the Mockery which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort ...
... Chapter IX."Of the Mockery Which He Sustained at the Hands of Pilate's Cohort, and
of the Harmony Subsisting Among the Three Evangelists Who Report that Scene ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter ix of the mockery which.htm

The Title on the Cross
... THE TITLE ON THE CROSS. 'Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross.'
"John 19:19. This title is recorded by all four Evangelists ...
/.../the title on the cross.htm

The Morning Trial.
... Caiphas then ordered the guards to bring Jesus once more into his presence, and
to prepare everything for taking him to Pilate's court directly he should have ...
/.../chapter xiii the morning trial.htm

(On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. )
... II. How great was Pilate's crime in allowing himself to be led astray by
the Jews. Accordingly, permitting the infliction on Himself ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lix on the passion.htm

Two Ancient Proverbs
... Look at Pilate. I mention him first because there was a peculiar atrocity
about his sin. The pure and holy Jesus is brought before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two ancient proverbs.htm

Thesaurus
Pilate's (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pilate's (4 Occurrences). John 19:8 When this saying
came to Pilate's ears his fear became greater; (BBE). ...
/p/pilate's.htm - 7k

Pontius (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Pilate, Pontius. Probably connected with the Roman
family of the Pontii, and called "Pilate" from the Latin ...
/p/pontius.htm - 36k

Pilate (60 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Pilate, Pontius. Probably connected with the Roman
family of the Pontii, and called "Pilate" from the Latin ...
/p/pilate.htm - 53k

Nephtoah (2 Occurrences)
... Others, however, have identified it with `Ain' Atan, on the south-west of Bethlehem,
whence water is conveyed through "Pilate's aqueduct" to the Haram area at ...
/n/nephtoah.htm - 9k

Judgment (430 Occurrences)
... Comp. Acts 23:35). Pilate's official residence when he was in Jerusalem
was probably a part of the fortress of Antonia. The trial ...
/j/judgment.htm - 52k

Floor (69 Occurrences)
... John 19:13 So when these words came to Pilate's ear, he took Jesus out, seating
himself in the judge's seat in a place named in Hebrew, Gabbatha, or the Stone ...
/f/floor.htm - 32k

Removed (294 Occurrences)
... John 19:38 After this, Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but for
fear of the Jews a secret disciple, asked Pilate's permission to carry away ...
/r/removed.htm - 34k

Ecce
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ECCE HOMO. ek'-se ho'-mo (idou ho anthropos, "Behold,
the man!" John 19:5): Pilate's statement regarding Jesus during His trial. ...
/e/ecce.htm - 7k

Dream (82 Occurrences)
... 7:13), Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:1; 4:10, 18), the wise men from the east
(Matthew 2:12), and Pilate's wife (27:19). To Joseph "the ...
/d/dream.htm - 47k

Pildash (1 Occurrence)

/p/pildash.htm - 6k

Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is the King of the Jews? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Pontius Pilate? | GotQuestions.org

How did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Pilate's (4 Occurrences)

John 19:8
When this saying came to Pilate's ears his fear became greater;
(BBE)

John 19:13
So when these words came to Pilate's ear, he took Jesus out, seating himself in the judge's seat in a place named in Hebrew, Gabbatha, or the Stone Floor.
(BBE)

John 19:22
"What I have written I have written," was Pilate's answer.
(WEY)

John 19:38
After this, Joseph of Arimathaea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but for fear of the Jews a secret disciple, asked Pilate's permission to carry away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him leave. So he came and removed the body.
(WEY NIV)

Subtopics

Pilate's

Related Terms

Pile (16 Occurrences)

Jidlaph (1 Occurrence)

Pilate's (4 Occurrences)

Bethu'el (10 Occurrences)

Bethuel (10 Occurrences)

Chesed (1 Occurrence)

Hazo (1 Occurrence)

Pilate Yields to the Crowd
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