Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, dreams are often depicted as a means through which God communicates with individuals, providing guidance, warnings, or revelations. One notable instance of a dream mentioned in the New Testament involves the wife of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus Christ.The account of Pilate's wife's dream is found in the Gospel of Matthew. During the trial of Jesus, as the Jewish leaders and the crowd demanded His crucifixion, Pilate's wife sent an urgent message to her husband. Matthew 27:19 records this event: "While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.'" This brief but significant mention highlights several key aspects: 1. Divine Intervention: The dream experienced by Pilate's wife is perceived as a divine intervention. It serves as a warning to Pilate about the innocence of Jesus, whom she refers to as "that innocent man." The dream's impact on her is profound, as she describes her suffering as "terrible," indicating the seriousness and urgency of the message. 2. Moral and Ethical Implications: The dream underscores the moral and ethical dimensions of the trial. Pilate's wife's plea to her husband suggests an awareness of the injustice being carried out against Jesus. Her intervention, though ultimately unheeded, reflects a recognition of Jesus' righteousness and the wrongful nature of the accusations against Him. 3. Role of Women in Scripture: This passage also highlights the role of women in the biblical narrative. Although Pilate's wife is not named, her influence is significant enough to be recorded in Scripture. Her dream and subsequent message to Pilate demonstrate that God can use anyone, regardless of their societal status or gender, to convey His will and purpose. 4. Pilate's Dilemma: The dream adds to the complexity of Pilate's predicament. Already caught between the demands of the Jewish leaders and his own assessment of Jesus' innocence, the message from his wife introduces a personal and supernatural element to his decision-making process. Despite the warning, Pilate ultimately succumbs to political pressure, illustrating the tension between divine revelation and human authority. The dream of Pilate's wife remains a poignant reminder of the spiritual realities at play during the trial of Jesus. It serves as a testament to the ways in which God can communicate His truth, even in the midst of human affairs, and highlights the profound impact that divine messages can have on individuals and events. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 27:19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have you nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Gethsemane Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Resources What are prophetic dreams? Does God give prophetic dreams to people today? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is God giving people in closed countries dreams and visions to bring them to faith in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dreams: Excess of Business Frequently Leads To Dreams: False Prophets: Condemned for Pretending To Dreams: False Prophets: Not to be Regarded In Dreams: False Prophets: Pretended To Dreams: God the Only Interpreter of Dreams: God's Will often Revealed In Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Abimelech Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Daniel Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Jacob Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Joseph Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Laban Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Midianite Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Nebuchadnezzar Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh's Butler and Baker Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pilate's Wife Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Solomon Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Wise Men Dreams: The Ancients: Anxious to Have, Explained Dreams: The Ancients: Consulting Magicians On Dreams: The Ancients: Often Perplexed By Dreams: The Ancients: Put Great Faith In Dreams: Vanity of Trusting to Natural Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |