Who was Pontius Pilate?
Here's the answer:
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea during the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Pontius Pilate was not a Christian. He was a Roman governor who served A.D. 26-36. Pontius Pilate was the man who ultimately gave Jesus over to be crucified. Pilate was not the only person guilty of Jesus’ death. The Jews, the Romans, and all people of all time are guilty of Jesus’ death. Everyone is guilty because we all have committed sin and Jesus had to die for our sins.
At first, Pilate was not sure about crucifying Jesus. He saw no basis for a charge against Jesus (Luke 23:14). This is because Jesus was not guilty of any crime. Pilate’s wife was worried about crucifying Jesus because of a dream she had (Matthew 27:19). Despite Pilate’s efforts to release Jesus, the crowds wanted Jesus to be crucified. When Pilate tried to release either Jesus or a terrible criminal, they chose the terrible criminal, Barabbas (Matthew 27:20-21).
Wanting to please the crowds, Pilate eventually condemns Jesus to be crucified. He had a written plaque to hang over Jesus’ head that read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). After Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body in order to give Him a proper burial. Pilate grants his requests and allows Joseph to bury Jesus in His own tomb. In the end, Pilate had ultimate control to release Jesus, yet he ignored his conscience, the advice of his wife, and the truth.
Bible Truth
"Pilate spoke to them for the third time. 'Why?' he asked. 'What wrong has this man done? I have found no reason to have him put to death. So I will just have him whipped and let him go'" (Luke 23:22).
"But the chief priests and the elders talked the crowd into asking for Barabbas and having Jesus put to death. 'Which of the two do you want me to set free?' asked the governor. 'Barabbas,' they answered" (Matthew 27:20-21).
"Later Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph was from the town of Arimathea. He was a follower of Jesus. But he followed Jesus secretly because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. After Pilate gave him permission, Joseph came and took the body away" (John 19:38).
