3.4 - The Trial before Pilate Flashcards
Explain the trial before Pilate.
As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the whole council. They handed Jesus over to Pilate. Pilate asked Him if He was the king of the Jews. Jesus said ‘you say so’. Then the chief priests accused Him of many things. Pilate said ‘Have you no answer!?’. Pilate was amazed. There was a custom where at the festival, he would release on prisoner, anyone they asked. he asked if the crowd wanted him to release ‘the King of the Jews’ or Barabbas. They demanded Barabbas be let free and Jesus be crucified. Pilate gave Jesus over and the flogged Him, before crucifying Him.
Who was Pilate?
He was the governor of the Roman province of Palestine from 26 to 37 CE. he was depicted as harsh and cruel.
What did Pilate have a duty to do?
Uphold Roman Justice.
If he gave in to the Jews, he knew he would be doing what?
Condemning an innocent man to death.
Why did Pilate ask if Jesus was King of the Jews?
Because he had no interest in a Messiah. But he could arrest Jesus for treason against the Emperor if he claimed to be a king.
What was bad about Flogging?
It was extremely cruel. There was no limit to the number of lashes that could be given. Some criminals died from flogging before they were crucified. It reduced the tine they were on the cross.
Who was Barabbas?
One of the rebels who took part in the uprising against the Romans. He might have been a member of one of the Zealot groups.
How was Judas to blame?
He handed Jesus over to the authorities.
How was the Sanhedrin to blame?
They were determined to get Jesus put to death. They accused Him of blasphemy but changed the charge to treason so he would be killed.
How was Pilate to blame?
He gave in to the crowds and sentenced Jesus to death, despite suppossedly having a responsibility to uphold Justice.
How was Jesus to blame?
He did nothing to defend Himself. He wanted to be a martyr.
How was the crowd to blame?
They shouted for Jesus to die.
