Pontius Pilate - A Brief Overview

Pontius Pilate Prefect

Click around the Picture


"they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate"

Pontius Pilate will go down forever in history as the man who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus, persuaded by the Jewish authorities against his will. Pontius Pilate was the Roman procurator in Judea from 26 to 36 A.D. (Luke 3 :1).

Non-Christian authors (Tacitus, Philo, and Flavius Josephus) mention not only his name but also many details concerning his person and his rule. In a letter from Agrippa I, cited by Philo, his character is severely judged. It speaks of unlimited harshness, pride, violence, greed, insults, continual executions without trial, and endless and unbearable cruelty. His insensitive policies brought Pilate into conflict with the Jews. They were continually offended with Pilate's statues which the Jews considered idolatry (Exod. 20:4). The Jews opposed the entry into Jerusalem of soldiers with banners bearing the likeness of the emperor, and also to the placing of shields inscribed with the Roman emperor's name inside Herod's palace. The Jews finally appealed to the Emperor Tiberius and they succeeded in obtaining withdrawal of the idols.

His use of temple funds to finance the building of an aqueduct also created hostility and bad relations. Finally, after brutally slaughtering the Samaritans, Pilate was sent back to Rome by Vitellius, the legate in Syria, to answer for his conduct.

In the New Testament Pontius Pilate first appears during the time of the Passover Feast in Jerusalem and is confronted with the person of Jesus, who is accused of treason and blasphemy by the Jewish authorities, and Pilate must act as Jesus' judge. The Gospel recounts the trial in detail. Although Pilate is convinced of Jesus' innocence, he is forced to order Jesus to be crucified. By washing his hands and declaring he is innocent of the blood of Jesus, he tries to evade any responsibility.

Another harsh action by Pilate is referred to in Luke 13.

A large assortment of legendary material dealing with Pontius Pilate is found in later literature. Justine the Martyr, Tertullian, and Eusebius refer to an official report compiled by Pilate and sent to Emperor Tiberius which probably gave rise to the Acta (or Gesta) Pilati (or the Gospel of Nicodemus), which claims to be a version of that report (not earlier than the 4th cent.). Details found in Eusebius claim that Pilate committed suicide. Others say he was executed by Nero, according to one tradition. Another tradition says that He finally accepted Jesus and was executed by Tiberius. His wife, by whom he is warned in Matt. 27: 19, is called Procla or Claudia Procula in a legend where she is represented as a follower of Christ.

Pontius Pilate
Return to Free Bible

The Story of the Bible
© Free Bible (www.free-bible.com)

index_a.gif index_b.gif index_c.gif index_d.gif index_e.gif index_f.gif index_g.gif index_h.gif index_i.gif index_j.gif index_k.gif index_l.gif index_m.gif index_n.gif index_o.gif index_p.gif index_q.gif index_r.gif index_s.gif index_t.gif index_u.gif index_v.gif index_w.gif index_x.gif index_y.gif index_z.gif

A

Archaeology

C

Conclusion

D

Dictionaries

E

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Edersheim - Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah - Chap 14
Encyclopedias

H

History
Hitchcock's Bible Names

I

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Introduction
ISBE Procurator

L

Later History

N

Name

O

Overview

P

Personal Life
Pilate and Jesus
Pontius Pilate
Procurator

S

Scriptures
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Strong's Concordance

W

Pontius Pilate

Read The Bible

About

Welcome to Free Bible: Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Present! Step into a world where ancient history and biblical narratives intertwine, inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Discover the captivating stories of forgotten empires, delve into the customs and cultures of our ancestors, and witness the remarkable findings unearthed by dedicated archaeologists.

Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of knowledge, where the past comes alive and illuminates our understanding of the present.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through time, where curiosity is rewarded and ancient mysteries await your exploration.

Recent posts