In brief
Pontius Pilate is the Roman governor before whom the religious leaders bring Jesus. He questions him, declares that he finds no crime in him, and seeks to release him. But under the pressure of the crowd, he releases Barabbas, has Jesus flogged and delivers him to be crucified. The Gospels show a man who recognizes the innocence of Jesus without drawing the consequences. He then permits Joseph of Arimathea to take the body. We remember how serious it is to yield to pressure.
What does the name Pontius Pilate mean?
“Pontius Pilate” is the English form of the Latin name Pontius Pilatus. The Bible does not explain this name, and its precise origin remains debated. The Gospels refer to him by his office: Matthew 27:2 calls him “Pontius Pilate, the governor.”
The story of Pontius Pilate
Jesus delivered to Pilate
Matthew 27:1-2 and Mark 15:1When morning comes, the chief priests, the elders and the whole council take counsel against Jesus to put him to death. After binding him, they lead him away and deliver him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. Mark specifies that Pilate knows it is out of envy that the chief priests delivered him up.
The questioning about kingship
John 18:28-38The accusers do not enter the Praetorium, so as not to be defiled before the Passover. Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answers that his Kingdom is not of this world and that he came to testify to the truth. Pilate asks, “What is truth?” and then declares that he finds no basis for a charge against him.
Pilate seeks to release Jesus
Luke 23:1-22Pilate says, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” Learning that Jesus falls under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sends him to Herod. He then calls together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and repeats that he found nothing worthy of death in him. For the third time, he asks what evil Jesus has done.
The judgment yielded to the crowd
Matthew 27:19-26 and Luke 23:23-25His wife sends word to him to have nothing to do with that righteous man. Pilate sees that a disturbance is starting, washes his hands before the multitude and says, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person.” He releases Barabbas, has Jesus flogged and delivers him to be crucified.
After the crucifixion
John 19:38 and Matthew 27:62-65Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus in secret, asks Pilate for permission to take the body of Jesus, and Pilate grants it. The next day, the chief priests and the Pharisees go together to Pilate. He answers them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”
What Pontius Pilate teaches us
- Recognizing the truth without acting on it does not save: Pilate declares Jesus innocent, then delivers him.
- Fear of people and their pressure can stifle conscience, even in a powerful man.
- We cannot wash our hands of our responsibilities: Pilate’s gesture relieves him of nothing.
- Jesus remains sovereign before human power: his Kingdom is not of this world.
Key verses
Jesus declares, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” Before Pilate, he explains that his authority does not depend on the force of arms or on the powers of the earth.
Pilate asks, “What is truth?” then concludes, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” He asks the right question, but he walks away from the one who is the truth without waiting for the answer.
Pilate washes his hands before the multitude and says, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person.” The gesture is public, but the decision to deliver Jesus remains his.
Sermons about Pontius Pilate
- Luke 23: Herod and Pilate, An Unholy Friendship Against King JesusA meditation on Luke 23 that shows how Pilate and Herod, once enemies, become friends around the trial of Jesus.
- Victimhood or Courage? What Jesus Before Pilate Reveals About YouA message that answers the idea that Jesus, before Pilate and on the cross, would be a failure or a sign of weakness.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Pontius Pilate in the Bible?
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea before whom Jesus appeared. He questioned him, declared that he found no crime in him, then delivered him to be crucified under the pressure of the leaders and the crowd.
Why did Pilate condemn Jesus?
The Gospels say that Pilate sought to release him, but that he yielded to the pressure of the crowd and the religious leaders. He released Barabbas, had Jesus flogged and delivered him to be crucified (Matthew 27:24-26).
Where can I find the story of Pontius Pilate in the Bible?
It is told in the four Gospels: Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, as well as John 18 and 19. Each one reports the trial of Jesus before Pilate with details of its own.