Pilate’s Decision!

from Google Images

While Jesus’ reply to Pilate (John 19:11), doesn’t excuse him of wrongdoing, it does expose the Jewish authorities, as the principal force behind the crucifixion. Thus, when Pilate heard Jesus’ reply, he became even more determined to release him. Nevertheless, when he sought to do so, the Jewish authorities cried out, saying, if he did so, he would not be a friend of Caesar, because anyone who makes himself king is an enemy of Caesar (John 19:12). Such a remark doesn’t seem very threatening, as we read the text, today. So, why would Pilate immediately sit upon his judgment seat to offer his verdict upon hearing that accusation?

 

Crucifying and Mocking One’s Savior!

from Google Images

When Jesus arrived at the site of the crucifixion, he was offered wine mixed with myrrh (Mark 15:23). Matthew says it was mixed with gall (Matthew 27:34). Gall was a term applied to many bitter substances, including myrrh and was an intoxicant meant to dull the pain that was about to be endured by criminals. The gesture was a Jewish one, not Roman, and probably based upon Proverbs 31:6-7. It was probably prepared by women of the city. Jesus accepted the gesture, but when he tasted the intoxicant, he refused to drink it. So, they crucified him and divided his cloths among themselves by lot (Mark 15:24), and it was the third hour (about 9 AM as we reckon time), which was the hour of prayer. Luke records the prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) but not the time, while Mark records the time, but not the prayer (Mark 15:25).

 

Who Was Pontius Pilate?

from Google Images

Pilate is an interesting figure both of history and in the Biblical narratives. Josephus says he replaced Valarius Gratus as governor of Jewish lands, which included Judea and Samaria. Galilee and Idumea were governed by Herod Antipas, and territories north and west of the Sea of Galilee were governed by Herod Philip, so Pilate had no authority over those Jewish areas. Pilate came to his position as governor in Jerusalem without a clear understanding in history as to when he was appointed or who appointed him. Nevertheless, scholars date his tenure of ten years between 26/27 to 36/37AD. He was probably appointed by Sejanus, Tiberius Caesar’s powerful military confidant and head of the Praetorian Guard, who by this time ruled as a virtual emperor in the absence of the semi-retired, Tiberius.

 

Pilate’s Verdict of Crucifixion

from Google Images

It is reasonable that Pilate would assume the chief priests and the people would desire Jesus’ release instead of Barabbas, because the latter was really guilty of the charges the authorities levied falsely against Jesus. Pilate knew the high priests understood Jesus wasn’t really guilty of the charges they made against him, so why wouldn’t they reject one who was really guilty of the accusations they made against Jesus?