Antonio Rivetti

Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate is one of the most infamous leaders in the history of civilization, and is

mainly criticized for his role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was a prefect, or governor, of

the Roman province of Judea for ten years. Pilate is mentioned in the Gospels of Christian

Bibles, many Jewish writings and sources, and in the Nicene Creed, which is prayed at weekend

Mass and on Holy Days of Obligation. Aside from religious writings, there is little information

known about the prefect of Judea. Therefore, the prejudices and views of the writers must be

taken into account when examining the texts for historical accuracy. We are certain that Pilate

was the prefect of Judea for ten years, the Jews were not fond of him, and he played a role in the

trial and death of Jesus, but much of Pilate’s life is still a mystery.

Information about Pontius Pilate’s birth, childhood, and early political career is unknown

today. It is believed that he was an equestrian, or knight, of the Pontii Samnite clan. This is how

he got the name Pontius. Pilate became the prefect of the Roman province of Judea in 26 AD

with the help of Sejanus, who was a trusted friend and advisor to the Emperor Tiberius. As

prefect, his job was mainly to direct the military in his province. A prefect was also responsible

for the collection of imperial taxes and had some judicial power in a province, but most of the

administrative power was held by local or ethnic governments, such as the Sanhedrin in Judea.

Pilate, as prefect of Judea, also had the power to appoint the high priest, which explains the

cooperation between the high priest/Jewish leaders and Pilate in the Gospel accounts of the trial,

sentencing, and killing of Jesus (1, 3).

Pilate lived in Caesarea most of the time, but often traveled throughout the province,

especially to Jerusalem, to perform his duties. He would be present in Jerusalem during Passover
to keep order, but would usually stay hidden due to the sensitivity of Jews to political or Gentile

interference in their religious practices. Pilate had small military forces stationed throughout the

province, mainly in Caesarea and Jerusalem, and anywhere else where military presence was

required. He had about 3,000 soldiers at his disposal at any given time. If he needed greater

force, he sought assistance from his superior, the legate of Syria (3).

The information we have suggests that the Jews did not like Pilate. He insulted their

religious practices and hung images of the emperor throughout the province. He also minted

coins bearing pagan religious symbols. His protection from Sejanus allowed him to continue to

treat the Jews poorly, until Sejanus’s fall in 31 AD. Pilate then was subject to sharper criticism

from the Jews, who capitalized on his vulnerability, obtaining a death sentence on Jesus Christ.

He was also reported by the Samaritans, who he attacked on Mount Gerizim in 36 AD, to his

superior the legate of Syria. This would ultimately be the end of his career, as Vitellius, the

legate, ordered Pilate back to Rome to stand trial for cruelty and oppression. It was around this

time (36-39 AD) that Pilate died. According to Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius of Caesarea,

Pilate was ordered to kill himself by Emperor Caligula in 39 AD (1).

The most important and well-known part of Pilate’s life is his role in the condemnation

and crucifixion of Jesus. According to the Gospels, Jesus was brought to Pilate by the high priest

and other Jewish leaders who arrested him. The Jews did not have the authority to put Jesus to

death, but Pilate had the authority to execute him. Pontius Pilate questioned Jesus and

determined that he was not guilty. He told the Jews that he did not find Jesus guilty, and asked if

they wanted him to release Jesus. The Jews instead asked for Barabbas, a criminal, to be

released. Pilate then had Jesus whipped and crowned with thorns. He brought Jesus out to the

people, telling them that he found no guilt. The crowd began shouting, “Crucify him!” Pilate
then handed Jesus over to be crucified. Pilate later wrote the inscription that was put on the cross,

which read, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (4).

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Pilate’s wife attempted to stop Pilate from

condemning Jesus. She had a dream that warned her that Pilate must not be responsible for the

death of Jesus. His wife told him not to have anything to do with Jesus’ death, for he was a just

man and was truly the Son of God. Pilate’s wife, who is believed to be named Claudia Procula,

was canonized a saint in the Greek Orthodox Church because of her attempt to prevent Pilate

from carrying out Jesus’ crucifixion, as described in Matthew’s Gospel. Procula as well as Pilate

are venerated in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, where their feast day is celebrated

on June 25 (1, 4).

It is difficult to judge Pontius Pilate’s character and intentions based on the Gospels.

According to these accounts, Pilate did not want to condemn Jesus, but was forced to by the

Jewish crowd. Due to the persecution of Christians during this time, writers may have been

influenced to exaggerate or even make up parts of the story. It is possible that Pilate’s doubts and

the agitation of Jews did not occur as it is written. While the Gospels suggest that Pilate was a

weak but well-meaning leader, Jewish sources, such as the writings of Josephus, tell us that

Pilate was a headstrong and strict leader. Josephus implies that Pilate is rational, but often gets

carried away, provoking riots of both Jews and Samaritans. Due to these conflicting images of

Pontius Pilate, it is difficult to determine his true personality and his intentions in the trial of

Jesus (1, 2).

In conclusion, Pontius Pilate is one of the most well-known leaders in history, especially

in the Roman Empire. He is most infamous for his role in the crucifixion of Jesus. The only
information we have from his life comes from the Gospels and from the Jewish writings. It is

difficult to determine Pilate’s character, however, due to the conflicting images these accounts

create.
 Works Cited

1. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pontius-Pilate

2. http://www.livius.org/articles/person/pontius-pilate/

3. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pilate,_Pontius

4. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27&version=NKJV