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Pilate’s Profile
In Jesus’ day, any death sentence had to be approved by
the Roman official in charge of the administrative district. Pontius Pilate was
governor of the province of Judea, where Jerusalem was located. When the Jewish
leaders had Jesus in their power and wanted to kill him, they had to obtain
Pilate’s permission. So it happened that early one morning Pilate found a crowd
at his door demanding a man’s death.
Pilate’s relationship with the Jews had always been stormy.
His Roman toughness and fairness had been weakened by cynicism, compromises, and
mistakes. On several occasions his actions had deeply offended the religious
leaders. The resulting riots and chaos must have made Pilate wonder what he had
gotten himself into. He was trying to control people who treated their Roman
conquerors without respect. Jesus’ trial was another episode in Pilate’s ongoing
problems.
For Pilate, there was never a doubt about Jesus’ innocence.
Three separate times he declared Jesus not guilty. He couldn’t understand what
made these people want to kill Jesus, but his fear of the pressure the Jews
would place on him made him decide to allow Jesus’ crucifixion. Because of the
people’s threat to inform the emperor that Pilate hadn’t eliminated a rebel
against Rome. Pilate went against what he knew was right. In desperation, he
chose to do wrong.
We share a common humanity with Pilate. At times we know the
right and choose the wrong. He had his moment in history and now we have ours.
What have we done with our opportunities and responsibilities? What judgment
have we passed on Jesus?
Pilate’s Strength and Accomplishment
1. Roman governor of Judea
Pilate’s Weaknesses and Mistakes
1. He failed in his attempt to rule a people who were defeated militarily but
never dominated by Rome
2. His constant political struggles made him a cynical and uncaring compromiser,
susceptible to pressure
3. Although he realized Jesus was innocent, he bowed to the public demand for
his execution
Lessons from Pilate’s Life
1. Great evil can happen when truth is at the mercy of political pressures
2. Resisting the truth leaves a person without purpose or direction
Pilate’s Vital Statistics
1. Where: Judea
2. Occupation: Roman governor of Judea
3. Relative: Wife: unnamed
Key Verses
" ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and
said, ‘I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to
release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to
release "the king of the Jews"?’ " (John 18:38,39).
Pilate’s story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 3:13;
Acts 4:27; Acts 13:28; 1st Timothy 6:13.
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