Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Pilate

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Topical Encyclopedia

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea during the time of Jesus Christ, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate's actions and decisions during this period are often examined through the lens of fear—specifically, an unholy fear that led to moral compromise and injustice.

Biblical Account

The Gospels provide a detailed account of Pilate's interactions with Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Pilate is depicted as a man caught between his own convictions and the pressures of the Jewish leaders and the crowd. John 19:12 states, "From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, 'If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.'" This verse highlights Pilate's fear of political repercussions and his concern for maintaining his standing with Caesar, which ultimately influenced his decision to hand Jesus over for crucifixion.

Fear of Man Over Fear of God

Pilate's fear is characterized by a greater concern for human opinion and political stability than for justice and truth. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, as seen in Matthew 27:24 , "When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. 'I am innocent of this man’s blood,' he said. 'You bear the responsibility.'" Pilate's actions reveal a fear of man that overpowered his sense of justice. His symbolic act of washing his hands was an attempt to absolve himself of responsibility, yet it underscored his failure to act righteously.

The Role of Conscience

Pilate's internal struggle is evident in his questioning of Jesus and his wife's warning, as recorded in Matthew 27:19 : "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 message suggests that Pilate was not entirely devoid of conscience or awareness of the gravity of his decision. However, his fear of the crowd and potential insurrection led him to ignore these warnings.

Consequences of Unholy Fear

The consequences of Pilate's unholy fear were profound. By succumbing to the pressure of the crowd and prioritizing his political career over justice, Pilate played a pivotal role in the crucifixion of Jesus. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing fear of man to override the fear of God. Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high."

Historical and Theological Reflections

Historically, Pilate's decision has been scrutinized as an example of weak leadership and moral failure. Theologically, his actions are often viewed as part of the divine plan for salvation, yet they also illustrate the human tendency to prioritize temporal concerns over eternal truths. Pilate's unholy fear serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in one's convictions, even in the face of external pressures.

In summary, Pilate's encounter with Jesus and his subsequent actions are a profound illustration of unholy fear. His account is a testament to the consequences of valuing human approval over divine justice, and it challenges believers to examine their own fears and motivations in light of God's truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 19:8
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... for those who would but trample the truth under their unholy feet ... blood of this just
Person: see ye to it." In fear and self-condemnation Pilate looked upon ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

(On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. )
... On you, on you, false Jews and unholy leaders of the ... whatsoever wrong was done either
by Pilate's judgment or by ... before thine eyes, and thou shalt fear day and ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lix on the passion.htm

The Day of Atonement
... fulfilled this when they brought him to Pilate, and cried ... sinners had trodden its
floors, how many unholy ones had ... there is no fear, for the blood of Jesus has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm

The Ecclesiastical Trial
... confirm the judgment of the Jews; then Pilate attempted to ... was going on, there would
be nothing to fear. ... in the public estimation and stopped their unholy gains ...
/.../the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ii the ecclesiastical trial.htm

Matt. xxvii. 27-29.
... another they smote with the reed, men unholy and accursed ... cross." [3098] For since
on telling Pilate to remove ... rather consider before all things the fear of God ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvii matt xxvii 27-29.htm

Looking unto Jesus
... Virgin Mary, and was crucified by Pontius Pilate, we do ... so speedily kills all doubt
and fear, as a ... live without wicked thoughts, and without unholy acts, and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/looking unto jesus.htm

Dialogue iii. --The Impassible.
... the body begged by Joseph of Pilate, the body ... to destroy their fear and instead of
fear to infuse ... then shall do nothing unreasonable and unholy in examining ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue iii the impassible.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... see and flow together, and thine heart shall fear and be ... Fanatics have entered into
unholy combination ... Herod and Pilate have truced up a hollow friendship that ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... covenant and cause, most holy things to maintain unholy or common ... Ver.25: Fear of
man and of the land's danger ... They wash their hands, as Pilate, as if they were ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

part viii.
... For Pilate, when he perceived [1743] the injustice of the deed ... he treated his brother
in an unholy manner; and ... to the careless and such as fear Constantius will ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm