Jesus Sent Before Pontius Pilate; John 18:28–19:16. – Part-2

Church History: Being convinced that he was going to be put death, they considered their course:

1. That he might be put to death the more legally and regularly.
2. That he might be put to death the more safely.
3. That he might be put to death with more reproach to himself.
4. That he might be put to death with less reproach to them.

It seemed strange to put one to death that had done so much good in the world, and therefore they were willing to throw the blame upon the Roman government, to make that the less acceptable to the people, and save themselves from the reproach. Now that they had him in their hands, they would lose no time until they had him upon the cross, but denied themselves their natural rest, to push on this matter.
Pilate held a conference with the accusers. They were called first, and stated what they had to say against the prisoner. Pilate calls for the indictment. Because they would not come into the hall, he went out to them into the court before the house, to talk with them. The accusers demanded judgment against him upon a general assumption that he was a criminal, not alleging, much less proving, anything in particular.
Pilate remanded him to the Jewish court to be Judged by their own laws. Some think Pilate was complimenting them, acknowledging the remains of their power, and allowing them to exert it. Pilate said, "go as far as your law will allow you, and, if you go further, it shall be allowed. He was willing to do the Jews a pleasure, but unwilling to do them the service they required. Others think he was bantering them, and upbraided them with their present state of weakness and subjection. They would be the sole judges of the guilt. "Pray," saith Pilate, "if you will be so, go on as you have begun; you have found him guilty by your own law, condemn him, if you dare, by your own law, to carry on the humor.