10 Interesting Facts About Pontius Pilate in the Bible

Pontius Pilate played a key role in the crucifixion of Jesus. As the Roman governor of Judea, he was the one who gave the final order to have Jesus put to death. But there's more to Pilate than just that moment. The Bible shows us a man caught between politics, fear, and truth.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Pontius Pilate from Scripture.

1. Pilate Was the Roman Governor of Judea

Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea under Emperor Tiberius. His main duties were to maintain order and oversee trials.

“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar... Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea…”
—Luke 3:1 (KJV)

2. Pilate Found No Fault in Jesus

Even though Pilate examined Jesus, he couldn't find any reason to charge Him. He said this more than once.

“I find in him no fault at all.”
—John 18:38 (KJV)

“I have found no cause of death in him.”
—Luke 23:22 (KJV)

3. His Wife Warned Him in a Dream

Pilate’s wife sent him a message while he was judging Jesus. She had a troubling dream and told him not to have anything to do with Jesus.

“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 (KJV)

4. Pilate Tried to Avoid Condemning Jesus

Pilate tried to pass the responsibility to Herod and even offered to release Jesus during Passover. But the crowd demanded Barabbas instead.

“I will therefore chastise him, and release him.”
—Luke 23:16 (KJV)

“Not this man, but Barabbas.”
—John 18:40 (KJV)

5. He Was Afraid of the Crowd

Pilate gave in to the pressure of the people. Though he wanted to free Jesus, he feared a riot and what it might cost him politically.

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing... he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude.”
—Matthew 27:24 (KJV)

6. Pilate Literally Washed His Hands of the Decision

This is where we get the modern phrase “washing your hands of something.” Pilate tried to show he wasn’t responsible for Jesus’ death.

“I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
—Matthew 27:24 (KJV)

7. He Questioned “What is Truth?”

During his conversation with Jesus, Pilate asked a deep question that still echoes today.

“Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?”
—John 18:38 (KJV)

8. Pilate Ordered the Inscription “King of the Jews”

He had a sign placed above Jesus on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The chief priests wanted it changed, but Pilate refused.

“What I have written I have written.”
—John 19:22 (KJV)

9. He Released Barabbas Instead of Jesus

To please the crowd, Pilate released a criminal named Barabbas and handed Jesus over to be crucified.

“Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”
—Matthew 27:26 (KJV)

10. Pilate’s Fate After the Bible Is Unknown

The Bible doesn't say what happened to Pilate after Jesus' death. Some historical sources say he was recalled to Rome. Some early church traditions suggest he may have regretted his actions.

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