CYPRESSWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
February 21, 2009
25424 Aldine-Westfield, Spring, TX. 77373
www.blakehart.com/cypresswoodbulletin.htm
LIFT UP IN PRAYER:
God’s will for our congregation The spread of the good news
Various friends, relatives and co-workers Our nation, military and leaders
PONTIUS PILATE
“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate” (Luke 23:1).
Pontius Pilate is an enigma. We know most about him because of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. He has been viewed in a variety of ways, all of which affects how we see him in scripture. Outside of scripture, we know little of him. He was married and it appears from outside sources that his wife was connected with power. He was governor in Jerusalem between 26 and 36 A.D. Some have suggested that he was removed by Rome and sent to an obscure post. One wonders what he thought of the claims of resurrection and the spread of Christianity.
As governor, Pilate was responsible to defend Rome’s interests first and foremost. Secondly, he was to keep the peace in a rather hostile culture, hence the 10th Roman Legion was stationed in the area. Some see Pilate as a weakling, caving into the Jews in order to kill Jesus, knowing that the religious leaders put Jesus on trial out of jealousy. I doubt this because Pilate had some Galileans killed for whatever reason and mixed their blood with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1). I myself have stated, that from a human point of view, that if he had not gotten into a discussion with the religious leaders, but simply dismissed the case, then Jesus would not have been crucified. However, from God’s perspective, this was part of His plan, and we must keep that in mind.
Warren Carter has come up with another perspective that I think has some validity, though I think at times he goes too far to make his point (1). Let’s take a look at this view.
The trial of Jesus had more behind it than a religious dispute. Pilate and the religious leaders were trying to manipulate each other for their own purposes and Jesus was the pawn. The winner would be seen as the one who had the power. The story is familiar to us. Jesus was brought before Pilate by the religious leaders in order to get Rome to crucify Him. The charge used was that Jesus claimed to be a king. The Jews thought that Pilate would instantly see that this was a threat to Rome that needed to be dealt with immediately. Keep in mind that Pilate knew about Jesus from any number of sources. He probably heard about crowds going to hear Him and about the miracles being done, yet Pilate did not move against Him during His three years of ministry. Even when Jesus was brought before Pilate, where were His followers. Jesus makes that very argument with Pilate when He said that is kingdom is from above, otherwise His followers would fight.
Certainly to make the claim that He was a king was a serious concern. Pilate would be protecting Rome’s interests and one cannot have someone claiming to be king not approved of by Rome. Yet there was a problem in just executing some pretender. How many followers did He have? What problems would occur if He was executed?
The first move Pilate makes after briefly questioning Jesus is to send Him to the Jewish political leader, Herod. In keeping Rome’s interests and the peace, Pilate decided that Herod should be involved. Herod was a political leader who had desired to see Jesus and hoped that He would “perform” some miracle. Disappointed that He didn’t, Jesus is sent back to Pilate. At the moment, Pilate saw no political reason to crucify Jesus, so he tried to manipulate the situation by a bait and switch. He would offer a choice to the crowd that had now gathered. The choice was an insurrectionist named Barabbas or a king named Jesus. The religious leaders manipulated the crowd to free Barabbas and crucified Jesus. Since no one could give Pilate a straight answers as to Jesus’ crime, he questioned Jesus some more. At the moment, it looked like the Jews were winning.
The crowds were growing and almost ready to riot. The religious leaders stated to Pilate in answer to why he should crucify Him, that according to Jewish law, no one claiming to be God should be allowed to live. This frightened Pilate and prompted more questioning in private. The Emperor was concerned about a god, because there were strong implications in this, yet Pilate had his doubts.
The Jewish religious leaders now threw in what they thought was their ace in the hole, but ended up being a tragic mistake. They told Pilate that we have no king but Caesar, that anyone who makes such a claim is opposed to Caesar, and anyone who supports this person is no friend of Caesar. One can just imagine the letter that would be sent to Caesar about Pilate concerning this. Pilate however, saw an opportunity. He agreed to crucify Jesus because he got something he had not received before: Jewish religious leaders recognizing Caesar as their king.
Pilate added one more nail in the coffin. It was a sign: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The Jews objected but Pilate stated, what I have written stands. He was saying that you made a commitment to Caesar and you will recognize it.
The Jewish religious leaders were very manipulative in that they wanted Jesus dead and were determined to get their way no matter what it cost them. They basically rejected God as king and bowed down to Caesar. When things settled down, the crowds probably began thinking about what had been done. Needless to say, this did not sit well with those opposed to Rome. The religious leaders were determined to maintain their position and saw the followers of Christ as a threat to their position. Stephen died at their hands and Paul ended up in Rome because of the political power of the religious leaders. But it was costly for them. Many died at the hands of the rebels during the 66-70 A.D. revolt.
Pilate, in his desire to maintain Roman justice, was maneuvered into a unexpected confession. Rome’s interests were conserved even though justice wasn’t served. Pilate could write to Caesar that the Jews recognized him as their king. Pilate would last another six years or so as governor in Jerusalem. Why he was removed or left is unknown. But one has to wonder what role the resurrection of Jesus played in this? What did Pilate think about the claim that Jesus was alive? Did this preaching have a role in Pilate leaving?
Both sides manipulated each other, the Jews more so, but in the end Pilate unexpectedly got what he wanted. Pilate might not have been that skilled of a politician but took advantage of an opportunity at the cost of a life. Again, though, God’s will was accomplished (see Acts 2:22-24). The right people in the right place at the right time accomplished God’s purposes in redemption. God continue to work through us to accomplish His purposes, though we might not realize it.
George B. Mearns
(1) Warren Carter, The Roman Empire and the New Testament: An Essential Guide, Abington, 2006, p. 38-41.