The True Life of Pontius Pilate

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The True Life of Pontius Pilate
Handling responsibilities under Emperor Tiberius, Pontius Pilate was one of the most important figures utilized by leaders during Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion. As The Roman Governor, however, Pilate did not perpetrate Jesus’ death as he only followed orders from political officials such as Julius Cesar and Kind Herod (Darr 139). Through exploration of Pilate’s life, individuals are enlightened about the unfair and dishonest governmental systems prevalent in the society. The Gospel books such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in The New Testament, capture most of these significant moments in Pontius Pilate hence depicting his true life.
Like in any political upheaval, there is both a protagonist and antagonist. According to Biblical understanding, Pilate is classified under the former due to his input in striving to rescue Jesus Christ from death. King Herod and Cesar, on the other hand, are observable antagonist apropos of their utter detest for Christ (Bond 74-75). These two antagonists pressured Pilate to judge Jesus wrongly so as to sentence him to death. The English Standard Bible Version says, “When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people took the counsel against Jesus to put him to death; and they bound him and led him away and delivered him to Pilate the governor” (English Standard Bible, Matthew 27: 1-2). Evidently, these political leaders used him as a puppet during Christ’s Trial and Crucifixion due to his role as The Roman Governor.

The fact that Pilate had to fabricate criminal activities such as blasphemy and treason proved Pilate’s affiliation with these wayward leaders of the time (Griffen 18). It was impossible for Pilate to infer Jesus’ guilt as a result of the latter’s behavior during his trial. Knowing that he did not indulge in any compromising activities, Jesus maintained his cool, thereby, impressing Pontius Pilate and proving his innocence (Wilkerson 35). When Christ was sent to Herod, it was clear that his trial with Pilate was a mere setup to acquire substantial reason for ending the former’s life. Instead of believing his conscience, by following orders from Herod and Cesar, depicted his accentuated his actions of puppetry. Even the inquiries posed against Jesus by The Roman Governor inclined more toward the political side hence depicting the control of these political leaders in Pilate’s life. The Governor did not focus on Christ’s interference in other sectors rather than politics. Pontius Pilate’s involvement in Jesus Trial and Crucifixion does not reflect his personal opinions rather; those imposed on him by officials in the political world. He portrays indistinguishable characteristics with some of the politically oppressed and controlled citizens in various societies.
In exploring Pilate’s true life, there is an understanding of poor leadership and its effects on justice and fairness in the society. Jesus’ trial, as discussed in the Bible, is an evident mockery of his position in spreading The Gospel. When Jesus was presented to Pontius Pilate, he was accused of numerous wrongs hence exposing weaknesses in their government. Taking Jesus Christ to Pontius Pilate was a mockery in itself because the political leaders were aware of Jesus’ innocence. Further delving into the issue, individuals observe different accusations directed toward him, delineating a malfunction in the justice system. When they failed to present detailed proof after accusing Jesus of blasphemy as seen in John 18:37, when Pilate says to him, “So you are not king?”, The Roman Governor charged him with treason. These uncertainties during The Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ were a clear portrayal of foul play (English Standard Bible, John 18.37). Even after admitting Jesus’ innocence, he was still sent to Herod to ascertain his involvement in criminal activities. In Luke, the Bible says, “And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at the time” (English Standard Bible, Luke 23:7) showcasing the unfairness because Jesus’ innocent nature was risked; for the fulfillment of these political leaders (Erasmus & Jane 101). The constant back and forth that Jesus had to undergo described the leaders’ indifference to their people. Such instances, therefore, may have delineated the extent of injustice and unfairness in the political system during Jesus’ time. Mocking him without receiving his input, also, describes an infringement in the people’s freedom of speech and expression. The unnecessary interrogation of Jesus Christ in Pontius Pilate’s hands also depicted unjustness toward the common man (Osler 15). Instead of using Jesus as an example for positive change, Cesar, Herod, and other political leaders dehumanized and mocked Jesus’ existence, as a whole. Pontius Pilate, despite his true self, may also be classified under these wayward leaders due to his failure of rectifying their immoral behavior.
His role as a puppet clouded Pilate’s ability to castigate the leaders that mocked and accused Jesus falsely. If he acted with authority and conviction, individuals would have understood Jesus’ point of view, even without focusing on his familial affiliation as the Son of God. Pilate may, therefore, be seen as a perpetrator of ill behavior through his reluctance in castigates salient evils. In fact, such leaders are often considered the worst because of they know the truth. It is impossible to classify him together with King Herod and Julius Cesar because they did not consider Jesus innocent, regardless of the non-existence of substantial proof or evidence. They believed the truth from their own perspective and unlike Pilate did not consider Jesus as an influential individual. Pontius Pilate’s inability to stand his ground compromised his role as The Roman Governor. He was indeed a pawn and puppet used by governmental leaders to achieve their selfish gains at the expense of innocent persons such as Jesus Christ.
Works Cited
Bond, Helen K. Pontius Pilate in History and Interpretation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Print.
Darr, John A. Herod the Fox: Audience Criticism and Lukan Characterization. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998. Print.
Griffen, C.W. Crucified by Pontius Pilate. Infinity Publishing, 2004. Print.
Erasmus, Desiderius, and Jane E. Phillips. Paraphrase on Luke. , 2003. Print.
Osler, Mark. Jesus on Death Row: The Trial of Jesus and American Capital Punishment. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2010. Print.
The Holy Bible Esv: English Standard Version: Containing the Old and New Testaments. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles, 2007. Print.
Wilkerson, Robert. Characters of the Crucifixion. WinePress Publishing, 2011. Print