Chapter 22—Condemned by Pilate
When the Jews returned from Herod, bringing the Saviour again
to Pilate, he was very much displeased, and asked what they would
have him do. He reminded them that he had examined Jesus, and had
found no fault in Him. He told them that they had brought complaints
against Him, but that they had not been able to prove a single charge.
As stated in the preceding chapter, they had taken Him to Herod,
who was a Jew, like themselves, and he had found in Him nothing
worthy of death. But to pacify the accusers, Pilate said:
“I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him.”
Luke 23:16
.
Here Pilate showed his weakness. He had acknowledged that Christ
was innocent; then why should he punish Him? It was a compromise
with wrong. The Jews never forgot this through all the trial. They
had intimidated the Roman governor, and now pressed their advantage
until they secured the condemnation of Jesus.
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The multitude clamored more loudly for the life of the prisoner.
While Pilate was hesitating as to what he should do, there was
brought to him a letter from his wife, which read:
“Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered
many things this day in a dream because of Him.”
Matthew 27:19
.
Pilate turned pale at this message; but the mob became more urgent
as they saw his indecision.
Pilate saw that something must be done. It was customary at the
feast of the Passover to set at liberty one prisoner, whom the people
might choose. The Roman soldiers had recently captured a noted
robber, named Barabbas. He was a degraded ruffian and a murderer.
So Pilate turned to the crowd, and said with great earnestness:
“Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which
is called Christ?”
Matthew 27:17
.
They replied, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.”
Luke 23:18
.
Pilate was dumb with surprise and disappointment. By yielding
his own judgment and appealing to the people, he had lost his dignity
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