1st century AD · governor of Judea, trial of Jesus around AD 30
Pontius Pilate in the Bible
The Roman governor who handed Jesus over to be crucified. Name meaning: Roman names (Pontius and Pilate) that the Bible does not translate; it also calls him simply “Pilate” or “the governor”
Pontius Pilate is the governor of Judea under the emperor Tiberius. The Jewish leaders hand Jesus over to him. He declares several times that he finds no crime in him and looks for a way out, but in the end, to satisfy the crowd, he releases Barabbas, has Jesus flogged and hands him over to be crucified. The apostles and Paul recall his role: Jesus “witnessed a good confession” before Pontius Pilate (1 Tim 6:13).
Key moments
- Governor of Judea under Tiberius Caesar Luke 3:1
- “Art thou the King of the Jews?” John 18:33
- “What is truth?” John 18:38
- He sends Jesus to Herod Luke 23:7
- He offers Barabbas or Jesus Matthew 27:17
- He washes his hands Matthew 27:24
- “Behold the man!” John 19:5
- “What I have written I have written” John 19:22
Strengths
- Authority
- Indecision
- Fear of the crowd
- Pragmatism
Weaknesses
Pilate declares three times that Jesus is not guilty (Luke 23:4, 14, 22) and knows the chief priests are acting out of envy (Matt 27:18); yet he gives in, because he wants “to content the people” (Mark 15:15) and fears being called an enemy of Caesar (John 19:12). He washes his hands, but he is the one who passes sentence (Luke 23:24).
Lessons for today
- Recognizing the truth is not enough: Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, but he yields to pressure (Luke 23:22-24).
- You cannot shed a decision by washing your hands: the crowd does not erase the responsibility of the one who passes sentence (Matt 27:24; Luke 23:24).
- Jesus stays calm and truthful before power: it is “a good confession” (John 18:37; 1 Tim 6:13).
- God carries out his plan even through the unjust decisions of the powerful (John 19:11; Acts 4:27-28).
Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
People around Pontius Pilate
- Jesus — The prisoner he tries, declares innocent, then hands over to be crucified
- Herod — Tetrarch to whom he sends Jesus; they become friends that day (Luke 23:12)
- Caiaphas — High priest, from whose house Jesus is led to the praetorium (John 18:28)
- Barabbas — Notorious prisoner, released in place of Jesus
- Joseph of Arimathea — Disciple who asks him for the body of Jesus
- Pilate’s wife — Not named; she warns him after a dream (Matt 27:19)
Stories with Pontius Pilate
Quiz: how well do you know Pontius Pilate?
Which prisoner did Pilate release in place of Jesus?
Pilate offers the choice: “Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?” Barabbas, a notorious prisoner, is the name the crowd demands and the man he releases. Matthew 27:16–17
According to John, what inscription did Pilate have placed on the cross?
“Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.” The chief priests wanted it changed; he refused. John 19:19
What did Pilate do in front of the crowd to show he was innocent of Jesus’ blood?
Pilate “took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” Matthew 27:24
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.