The Death of the Messiah Jesus Before Pilate, the Roman Governor

The Death of the The Death of the MessiahMessiah

Jesus Before Pilate, the Roman Jesus Before Pilate, the Roman GovernorGovernor

Series OutlineSeries Outline

Mar. 14:Mar. 14: 1. Jesus prays and is arrested in 1. Jesus prays and is arrested in Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Across Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Across the Kidronthe Kidron Mark 14:26-52; Matt 26:30-56; Luke 22:39-53; Mark 14:26-52; Matt 26:30-56; Luke 22:39-53;

John 18:1-11John 18:1-11 Mar. 21:Mar. 21: 2. Jesus Before the Jewish 2. Jesus Before the Jewish

AuthoritiesAuthorities Mark 14:53—15:1; Matt 26:57—27:10; Luke Mark 14:53—15:1; Matt 26:57—27:10; Luke

22:54—23:1; John 18:12-28a 22:54—23:1; John 18:12-28a

Series OutlineSeries Outline

Mar. 28:Mar. 28: 3. Jesus before Pilate, the Roman 3. Jesus before Pilate, the Roman GovernorGovernor Mark 15:2-20a; Matt 27:11-31a; Luke 23:2-25; Mark 15:2-20a; Matt 27:11-31a; Luke 23:2-25;

John 18:28b—19:16aJohn 18:28b—19:16a Apr. 4:Apr. 4: 4. Jesus is crucified and dies on 4. Jesus is crucified and dies on

Golgotha. He is buried nearbyGolgotha. He is buried nearby Mark 15:20b-47; Matt 27:31b-66; Luke 23:26-56; Mark 15:20b-47; Matt 27:31b-66; Luke 23:26-56;

John 19:16b-42John 19:16b-42

Background:Background:The Roman Rule in The Roman Rule in

Judea (6-66 AD)Judea (6-66 AD)

Roman Prefecture in JudeaRoman Prefecture in Judea

Two Periods of the Roman Prefecture in Judea 6 AD Two Periods of the Roman Prefecture in Judea 6 AD to 66 ADto 66 AD 1.1. “Pre-Agrippa” period “Pre-Agrippa” period 6 to 41 AD 6 to 41 AD Jewish kingship restored 41-44 AD (Herod Agrippa)Jewish kingship restored 41-44 AD (Herod Agrippa) 2. 2. “Post-Agrippa” period“Post-Agrippa” period 44 to 66 AD 44 to 66 AD

Prefecture ended with the Prefecture ended with the Jewish RevoltJewish Revolt, which led , which led to occupation by Roman army (led by to occupation by Roman army (led by VespasianVespasian, , declared emperor in 69 AD) and the destruction of declared emperor in 69 AD) and the destruction of the second Templethe second Temple


Pre-Agrippa period was a time of relative Pre-Agrippa period was a time of relative peacepeace

Roman Prefecture in Judea was not simply a Roman Prefecture in Judea was not simply a hostile occupationhostile occupation After the baneful era of Jewish client kings (Herod After the baneful era of Jewish client kings (Herod

the Great, Herod Archelaus), marked by the Great, Herod Archelaus), marked by oppression and persecution, Roman rule more sane oppression and persecution, Roman rule more sane and orderlyand orderly

Jewish leaders had petitioned Caesar to end the Jewish leaders had petitioned Caesar to end the reign of Herod Archelausreign of Herod Archelaus


During Jesus’ adult years (7 to 30/33 AD):During Jesus’ adult years (7 to 30/33 AD): No evidence of armed revoltNo evidence of armed revolt No Roman executions of notorious brigands, No Roman executions of notorious brigands,

would-be kings, prophets, or revolutionarieswould-be kings, prophets, or revolutionaries

Background:Background:The Prefecture of Pontius The Prefecture of Pontius

Pilate in JudeaPilate in Judea(26-36 AD)(26-36 AD)

Pontius PilatePontius PilateSome Biographical FactsSome Biographical Facts

Was of Equestrian rank (lower Roman Was of Equestrian rank (lower Roman nobility), as opposed to the higher Senatorial nobility), as opposed to the higher Senatorial rankrank Suggests he probably had a military career before Suggests he probably had a military career before

his appointment as Prefect / Governor of Judeahis appointment as Prefect / Governor of Judea Name:Name:

NomenNomen ( (gensgens or tribe): Pontius, of Samnite origin or tribe): Pontius, of Samnite origin CognomenCognomen (family): Pilatus (origin from (family): Pilatus (origin from pileuspileus, ,

“cap, helmet,” or “cap, helmet,” or pilumpilum, “spear”, “spear” PraenomenPraenomen (personal name): (personal name): unknownunknown


Pure Legend (no data to support):Pure Legend (no data to support): Praenomen: LuciusPraenomen: Lucius Came from SevilleCame from Seville Married Claudia (the youngest daughter of Julia, Married Claudia (the youngest daughter of Julia,

the daughter of Caesar Augustus) with the the daughter of Caesar Augustus) with the approval of Caesar Tiberius, and was then approval of Caesar Tiberius, and was then immediately sent to Judeaimmediately sent to Judea


Fifth of 14 Roman Prefects in JudeaFifth of 14 Roman Prefects in Judea Pilate’s 10 year rule, and his predecessor’s Pilate’s 10 year rule, and his predecessor’s

(Valerius Gratus) 11 year rule, stand out in (Valerius Gratus) 11 year rule, stand out in longevity among the all the other Prefectslongevity among the all the other Prefects

May have been appointed by Roman noble May have been appointed by Roman noble Lucius Aelius SejanusLucius Aelius Sejanus In 26-27 AD Caesar Tiberius left Rome, eventually In 26-27 AD Caesar Tiberius left Rome, eventually

settling on the Isle of Caprisettling on the Isle of Capri Sejanus was left by Tiberius in Rome to deal with Sejanus was left by Tiberius in Rome to deal with

routine administration of the empireroutine administration of the empire


In 31 AD, treasonous ambitions of Sejanus In 31 AD, treasonous ambitions of Sejanus uncovered, and he perisheduncovered, and he perished Tiberius Caesar dismissed many of the Sejanus’ Tiberius Caesar dismissed many of the Sejanus’

appointeesappointees Pilate however remained in office another 5 yearsPilate however remained in office another 5 years

Pilate’s longevity: “caution(s) against Pilate’s longevity: “caution(s) against prejudging Pilate as irresponsible or extremely prejudging Pilate as irresponsible or extremely controversial” controversial”

Pontius PilatePontius PilateEstimations of PilateEstimations of Pilate

Mark’s portrait is unflatteringMark’s portrait is unflattering Pilate, knowing Jesus handed over because of Pilate, knowing Jesus handed over because of

jealous envy, does little to help Jesusjealous envy, does little to help Jesus Matthew, Luke, John portray a nobler Pilate, Matthew, Luke, John portray a nobler Pilate,

who tries to deliver Jesus from exaggerated / who tries to deliver Jesus from exaggerated / false chargesfalse charges

Tertullian (155- after 220 AD): Pilate a Tertullian (155- after 220 AD): Pilate a Christian at heartChristian at heart


Apocryphal Apocryphal Acts of PilateActs of Pilate: Pilate sympathetic : Pilate sympathetic to a portion of Jewish multitude that weeps for to a portion of Jewish multitude that weeps for Jesus not be put to deathJesus not be put to death

Ethiopian homilies 5Ethiopian homilies 5thth and 6 and 6thth centuries speak centuries speak of Pilate’s conversion and martyrdomof Pilate’s conversion and martyrdom

66thth and 7 and 7thth century: Pilate became a baptismal century: Pilate became a baptismal name among the Coptsname among the Copts Pilate is today a saint in the Coptic churchPilate is today a saint in the Coptic church

Pilate’s wife Procla a saint in the Orthodox Pilate’s wife Procla a saint in the Orthodox Church (feast day Oct. 27)Church (feast day Oct. 27)


Non-Christian sources tend to give an Non-Christian sources tend to give an unfavorable picture of Pilateunfavorable picture of Pilate Jewish writers Philo (20 BC to 50 AD) and Jewish writers Philo (20 BC to 50 AD) and

Josephus (37 AD to 93 AD)Josephus (37 AD to 93 AD) Roman historian Tacitus (56 to 115 AD)Roman historian Tacitus (56 to 115 AD)

However, these writer’s reports may have been However, these writer’s reports may have been exaggerated or inaccurateexaggerated or inaccurate For example: Tacitus often wrote unfavorably of For example: Tacitus often wrote unfavorably of

appointees of Equestrian Rankappointees of Equestrian Rank


Brown: historical record suggests Pilate:Brown: historical record suggests Pilate: Was an unsubtle man, without native diplomatic Was an unsubtle man, without native diplomatic

skills, sometimes out of touch with Jewish skills, sometimes out of touch with Jewish sensitivitiessensitivities

Was not however a stubborn tyrant to the point of Was not however a stubborn tyrant to the point of savagerysavagery

Sometimes underestimated the brutality of his own Sometimes underestimated the brutality of his own soldiers, so that the violence of repressive actions soldiers, so that the violence of repressive actions during his prefecture may not have reflected his during his prefecture may not have reflected his own wishesown wishes

Background:Background:Site of Jesus’ Trial: The Site of Jesus’ Trial: The

PraetoriumPraetorium

Site of Jesus’ TrialSite of Jesus’ Trial

Mark, Matthew, Luke:Mark, Matthew, Luke: Jesus stands before Pilate Jesus stands before Pilate in public, outdoorsin public, outdoors

John:John: Jesus questioned by Pilate Jesus questioned by Pilate in private, insidein private, inside the the

“Praetorium,” with Jewish leaders and crowd outside“Praetorium,” with Jewish leaders and crowd outside Pilate shuttles back and forth between Jesus inside and Pilate shuttles back and forth between Jesus inside and

crowd outsidecrowd outside Finally (19:13), Jesus led outside, and Pilate “sat on the Finally (19:13), Jesus led outside, and Pilate “sat on the

judgment seat (judgment seat (bemabema) in the place called Lithostrotos ) in the place called Lithostrotos (Stone Pavement), but in Hebrew Gabbatha”(Stone Pavement), but in Hebrew Gabbatha”


Praetorium: Governor’s residencePraetorium: Governor’s residence Pilate’s main praetorium in CaesareaPilate’s main praetorium in Caesarea

Two candidates for Pilate’s residence when in Two candidates for Pilate’s residence when in Jerusalem:Jerusalem: Fortress AntoniaFortress Antonia

Castle on eastern hill of Jerusalem, on high rock Castle on eastern hill of Jerusalem, on high rock formation dominating the NW corner of the Temple formation dominating the NW corner of the Temple areaarea

Part of the Northern Defense of the cityPart of the Northern Defense of the city


““Palace of the King”Palace of the King” Another fortress dwelling of Herod the GreatAnother fortress dwelling of Herod the Great On the western hill of the city, also part of the Northern On the western hill of the city, also part of the Northern

DefensesDefenses Was the fortress for the upper city, as Antonia was Was the fortress for the upper city, as Antonia was

fortress for the Templefortress for the Temple Exterior included three immense towersExterior included three immense towers In luxury and extravagance, said to be indescribableIn luxury and extravagance, said to be indescribable Most likely the temporary Jerusalem praetorium of Most likely the temporary Jerusalem praetorium of

Pilate during the PassoverPilate during the Passover

Background:Background:Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of Jesus

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusSourcesSources

Gospel accounts are dramatizing the Gospel accounts are dramatizing the religious religious meaning of Jesus’ condemnationmeaning of Jesus’ condemnation

Practically Practically no legal detailsno legal details of the trial are of the trial are given in the Gospel accounts. No court record given in the Gospel accounts. No court record has survived. No witness sympathetic to Jesus has survived. No witness sympathetic to Jesus said to be presentsaid to be present

With involvement of soldiers, servants, With involvement of soldiers, servants, opponents, some information of contents of opponents, some information of contents of trial would have circulatedtrial would have circulated

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusRelation to Sanhedrin TrialRelation to Sanhedrin Trial

Relation of Roman Trial to Sanhedrin Trial:Relation of Roman Trial to Sanhedrin Trial: 1. A1. A confirmation confirmation of the Jewish Trial (an of the Jewish Trial (an

exsequaturexsequatur = let it be carried out)? = let it be carried out)? 2. An 2. An independent trialindependent trial to determine if an offense to determine if an offense

against Roman law had been committed?against Roman law had been committed? Majority scholarly opinion: independent trialMajority scholarly opinion: independent trial

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusRoman Judicial ProcedureRoman Judicial Procedure

Normal Roman judicial procedures seemingly Normal Roman judicial procedures seemingly notnot followed followed

However, Jesus However, Jesus notnot a Roman citizen, so Pilate a Roman citizen, so Pilate was free to conduct a trial was free to conduct a trial extra ordinemextra ordinem (without full specifications of Roman law)(without full specifications of Roman law) In particular, he could conduct a simple In particular, he could conduct a simple cognitiocognitio or or

investigationinvestigation Draw information from local authorities without proof Draw information from local authorities without proof

of veracity demanded by ordinary lawof veracity demanded by ordinary law Summarily reach a decision about guilt or punishmentSummarily reach a decision about guilt or punishment

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusRoman Judicial ProcedureRoman Judicial Procedure

Typical trial would have included Typical trial would have included assessoresassessores (junior barristers), (junior barristers), comitescomites (attendants) and a (attendants) and a translatortranslator None of these are mentioned, but Gospel writers None of these are mentioned, but Gospel writers

clearly left out many detailsclearly left out many details Fitzmyer: speculated that Jesus and Pilate may Fitzmyer: speculated that Jesus and Pilate may

have spoken to each other in Greek, since no have spoken to each other in Greek, since no translator mentionedtranslator mentioned

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusCharge Against JesusCharge Against Jesus

Charge Against Jesus: “King of the Jews”Charge Against Jesus: “King of the Jews” Offense against Offense against Lex Iulia de maiestate Lex Iulia de maiestate (offenses (offenses

against the majesty of Caesar), which bore death against the majesty of Caesar), which bore death penaltypenalty

Cicero (106 BC to 43 BC): “diminishing Cicero (106 BC to 43 BC): “diminishing maiestasmaiestas consists of taking away something from the dignity or consists of taking away something from the dignity or the fullness or the power of the people or from those to the fullness or the power of the people or from those to whom the people have given power”whom the people have given power”

Commentary by Marcion on Commentary by Marcion on Lex Iulia de maiestateLex Iulia de maiestate includes as offenders a private person who acts as if he includes as offenders a private person who acts as if he had an office or magistracyhad an office or magistracy

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusRelease of BarrabasRelease of Barrabas

Subject of much scholarly controversy: custom Subject of much scholarly controversy: custom not described in other sourcesnot described in other sources

Gospels agree there was a festal custom Gospels agree there was a festal custom attached to Passover to release a prisoner attached to Passover to release a prisoner whom the Jewish crowds chosewhom the Jewish crowds chose

Disagreement:Disagreement: Was it a custom of Pilate?Was it a custom of Pilate? Was it a Jewish custom recognized by Pilate?Was it a Jewish custom recognized by Pilate?

Roman Trial of JesusRoman Trial of JesusOutcry to “Crucify” JesusOutcry to “Crucify” Jesus

Jewish crowds cry out “Crucify him,” as if they Jewish crowds cry out “Crucify him,” as if they have say in the Roman judge’s decisionhave say in the Roman judge’s decision

Eastern custom of decision by Eastern custom of decision by acclamatio acclamatio populipopuli (“acclamation of the people”) (“acclamation of the people”) Some cases in Hellenized cities, (e.g. the Ten Cities Some cases in Hellenized cities, (e.g. the Ten Cities

constituting the Decapolis, east of Galilee, in the constituting the Decapolis, east of Galilee, in the Province of Syria) decided by Province of Syria) decided by acclamatio populiacclamatio populi

Not a Jewish customNot a Jewish custom Brown: Best considered mob pressure, not Brown: Best considered mob pressure, not

voice of a “jury”voice of a “jury”

Jewish Before Pilate, Jewish Before Pilate, the Roman Governorthe Roman Governor

MarkMark

MarkMark

Mark 15:1: refers to a morning consultation of Mark 15:1: refers to a morning consultation of the Sanhedrinthe Sanhedrin Not clear if it is a second sessionNot clear if it is a second session Or continuation of the night sessionOr continuation of the night session

Mark does not explain to reader why Mark does not explain to reader why Sanhedrin must bind and deliver Jesus to Sanhedrin must bind and deliver Jesus to PilatePilate

Pilate already seems aware of what has gone Pilate already seems aware of what has gone on previously, and immediately confronts on previously, and immediately confronts Jesus with question, Jesus with question, “Are you the King of “Are you the King of the Jews?”the Jews?”

MarkMark

The charges at the Sanhedrin Trial (Destroying The charges at the Sanhedrin Trial (Destroying the Temple, Messiah / Son of God) do not the Temple, Messiah / Son of God) do not come upcome up

Jesus’ affirmation ambiguous Jesus’ affirmation ambiguous “You have “You have said so.”said so.” (Mark 15:4) (Mark 15:4)

Pilate wonders at JesusPilate wonders at Jesus As nations wondered at the Suffering Servant of As nations wondered at the Suffering Servant of

the Lord (Isaiah 52:15 Septuagint)the Lord (Isaiah 52:15 Septuagint)

MarkMark

The chief priests, unable to get Pilate to The chief priests, unable to get Pilate to condemn Jesus, succeed in getting a crowd to condemn Jesus, succeed in getting a crowd to demand for the release of a prisoner on the demand for the release of a prisoner on the feastfeast

Pilate, knowing priests are acting out of Pilate, knowing priests are acting out of envious zeal, offer Jesus to the crowdenvious zeal, offer Jesus to the crowd

Chief priests persuade the crowd to demand:Chief priests persuade the crowd to demand: Release of Barabbas, an imprisoned murderous Release of Barabbas, an imprisoned murderous

rebelrebel Crucifixion of JesusCrucifixion of Jesus

MarkMark

Pilate’s last quoted words: Pilate’s last quoted words: “Why, what evil “Why, what evil has he done?”has he done?” underline Jesus’ outrageous underline Jesus’ outrageous treatmenttreatment

MarkMark

Mark’s portrait of Pilate less developed and Mark’s portrait of Pilate less developed and sympathetic than in Matthew, Luke, and Johnsympathetic than in Matthew, Luke, and John Pilate makes no special effort on Jesus’ behalfPilate makes no special effort on Jesus’ behalf He yields rather easily to crowd’s demands to He yields rather easily to crowd’s demands to

avoid unpopularityavoid unpopularity Impression is not the favorable Roman and the Impression is not the favorable Roman and the

hostile Jew, but hostile Jew, but no support on any sideno support on any side for Jesus for Jesus

MarkMark

Jesus’ lack of any support reinforced by the Jesus’ lack of any support reinforced by the gratuitous brutality of the Roman soldiers:gratuitous brutality of the Roman soldiers: They interrupt flogging the criminal to strike and They interrupt flogging the criminal to strike and

spit on him, mocking the “King of the Jews”spit on him, mocking the “King of the Jews” Both Sanhedrin Trial and Roman Trial end Both Sanhedrin Trial and Roman Trial end

with the mockery of Jesuswith the mockery of Jesus Sanhedrin Trial: Mocking of a prophetSanhedrin Trial: Mocking of a prophet Roman Trial: Mocking of a kingRoman Trial: Mocking of a king

MarkMark

Disciple, Jewish leader, and Roman leader all Disciple, Jewish leader, and Roman leader all participate and share guilt:participate and share guilt: Judas hands Jesus over to the chief priestsJudas hands Jesus over to the chief priests Chief priests hand Jesus over to PilateChief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucifiedPilate hands Jesus over to be crucified


MatthewMatthew

MatthewMatthew

Confronting Pilate who can decree his death, Confronting Pilate who can decree his death, Jesus remains silentJesus remains silent

His silence puts Pilate on the defensiveHis silence puts Pilate on the defensive Matthew, as do all the four gospels, describes Matthew, as do all the four gospels, describes

the custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast, the custom of releasing a prisoner at the feast, a possible out for Pilatea possible out for Pilate

MatthewMatthew

Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: dream of Pilate’s wife dream of Pilate’s wife Gives us the contrast between:Gives us the contrast between:

Gentile woman, in a dream-revelation recognizes Gentile woman, in a dream-revelation recognizes Jesus’ innocence and works for his releaseJesus’ innocence and works for his release

Jewish leaders work the crowd to have a notorious Jewish leaders work the crowd to have a notorious criminal released and the innocent Jesus crucifiedcriminal released and the innocent Jesus crucified

MatthewMatthew

Some manuscripts phrase Pilate’s question in Some manuscripts phrase Pilate’s question in 26:17 as 26:17 as “Whom do you want me to “Whom do you want me to release to you – Jesus Barabbas or release to you – Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called Christ?”Jesus called Christ?” Barabbas: probably means “Son of the Father”Barabbas: probably means “Son of the Father” Pilate thus faced with irony of choosing between Pilate thus faced with irony of choosing between

“Jesus, Son of the Father,” and “Jesus, Son of “Jesus, Son of the Father,” and “Jesus, Son of God”God”

MatthewMatthew

Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: Pilate publicly washes his Pilate publicly washes his hands to signify hands to signify “I am innocent of this “I am innocent of this [just] man’s blood.”[just] man’s blood.” Again, a Gentile recognizes Jesus’ innocenceAgain, a Gentile recognizes Jesus’ innocence

““All the people”All the people” answer answer “His blood on us “His blood on us and on our children”and on our children” Echoes Old Testament language of those who must Echoes Old Testament language of those who must

be considered responsible for a death (2 Samuel be considered responsible for a death (2 Samuel 3:28-29; Josh. 2:19; Jer. 26:15)3:28-29; Josh. 2:19; Jer. 26:15)

Washing of hands: an Old Testament action Washing of hands: an Old Testament action signifying innocence of a murder (Deut 21:6-9)signifying innocence of a murder (Deut 21:6-9)

MatthewMatthew

Line has embittered Christian – Jewish Line has embittered Christian – Jewish relationship through the centuriesrelationship through the centuries

Matthew tends to be generalizing and hostile Matthew tends to be generalizing and hostile to Jewsto Jews Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers”Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers”

““His blood on us and on our children”His blood on us and on our children” Remember Jesus’ own words: his blood is Remember Jesus’ own words: his blood is

“poured out for many [all] for the “poured out for many [all] for the forgiveness of sins.”forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:27) (Matthew 26:27)

MatthewMatthew

Pilate finally passes on Jesus the same sentence the Pilate finally passes on Jesus the same sentence the Jewish Sanhedrin passed on himJewish Sanhedrin passed on him

Pilate orders Jesus to be flogged and then crucifiedPilate orders Jesus to be flogged and then crucified At the end of the Roman Trial, Jesus is mocked and At the end of the Roman Trial, Jesus is mocked and

spat upon – as he had been at the end of the spat upon – as he had been at the end of the Sanhedrin trialSanhedrin trial

Although Pilate and his wife are favorable to Jesus, Although Pilate and his wife are favorable to Jesus, but he is ultimately rejected by both Gentiles and but he is ultimately rejected by both Gentiles and JewsJews


LukeLuke

LukeLuke

Luke’s description of the Roman Trial much more Luke’s description of the Roman Trial much more elaborate than Mark or Matthewelaborate than Mark or Matthew

The charge “King of the Jews” and the offer of The charge “King of the Jews” and the offer of releasing a prisoner are also in Lukereleasing a prisoner are also in Luke

Luke also describes:Luke also describes: Details of violations of Roman law and the majesty of Details of violations of Roman law and the majesty of

CaesarCaesar Indifference of Romans to the religious issues involvedIndifference of Romans to the religious issues involved A desire to let the prisoner go after a whipping onlyA desire to let the prisoner go after a whipping only

LukeLuke

Unique to Luke: Unique to Luke: On learning Jesus is from On learning Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate sends Jesus to the client king of Galilee, Pilate sends Jesus to the client king of the Galilee area, the Galilee area, Herod AntipasHerod Antipas (ruled 4 BC (ruled 4 BC to 39 AD), who happens to be in Jerusalem for to 39 AD), who happens to be in Jerusalem for the Passover feastthe Passover feast

LukeLuke

Christian Memory of Herodian Adversary Christian Memory of Herodian Adversary Images:Images: Herod the GreatHerod the Great – conspired to kill baby Jesus – conspired to kill baby Jesus

(Matt. 2)(Matt. 2) Herod AntipasHerod Antipas – killed John the Baptist (Mark – killed John the Baptist (Mark

6:17-29; Matt 14:3-12), and reputedly tried to kill 6:17-29; Matt 14:3-12), and reputedly tried to kill JesusJesus

Herod Agrippa IHerod Agrippa I – killed James, son of Zebedee, – killed James, son of Zebedee, sought to kill Peter (Acts 12:1-5)sought to kill Peter (Acts 12:1-5)

LukeLuke

Herod Agrippa IIHerod Agrippa II – sat in judgment on Paul – sat in judgment on Paul alongside Roman Governor (Acts 25:13-27)alongside Roman Governor (Acts 25:13-27)

Apocryphal Apocryphal Gospel of PeterGospel of Peter:: Herod is Jesus’ chief adversary and crucifies himHerod is Jesus’ chief adversary and crucifies him

Herod annoyed by Jesus’ silence and mocks Herod annoyed by Jesus’ silence and mocks himhim In the end he confirms Pilate’s judgment that Jesus In the end he confirms Pilate’s judgment that Jesus

innocentinnocent

LukeLuke

Herod’s contact with Jesus heals the enmity Herod’s contact with Jesus heals the enmity between himself and Governor Pilatebetween himself and Governor Pilate Jesus again the healer, even for those who maltreat Jesus again the healer, even for those who maltreat

himhim Unique to Luke: Jesus had healed the ear of the Unique to Luke: Jesus had healed the ear of the

High Priest slave after a follower cut it offHigh Priest slave after a follower cut it off


JohnJohn

JohnJohn

We find in John a much different picture of We find in John a much different picture of Jesus facing PilateJesus facing Pilate

Unlike Mark / Matthew / Luke, Jesus is not Unlike Mark / Matthew / Luke, Jesus is not questioned by Pilate outside and in public with questioned by Pilate outside and in public with the chief priests looking onthe chief priests looking on

Rather, Jesus is questioned privately by Pilate Rather, Jesus is questioned privately by Pilate inside the Praetorium, while all the chief inside the Praetorium, while all the chief priests are standing outside with a crowdpriests are standing outside with a crowd

JohnJohn

Pilate shuttles back and forth between the Pilate shuttles back and forth between the priests and crowd outside, and Jesus insidepriests and crowd outside, and Jesus inside Outside: ceaseless pressure, conniving, outcryOutside: ceaseless pressure, conniving, outcry Inside: calm and penetrating dialogInside: calm and penetrating dialog

Unlike Mark / Matthew / Luke, Jesus is not Unlike Mark / Matthew / Luke, Jesus is not silent, but eloquent and supremely self-assuredsilent, but eloquent and supremely self-assured

JohnJohn

To Pilate’s question: To Pilate’s question: “So you are a king?”“So you are a king?”, , Jesus does not refuse the title, but says the real Jesus does not refuse the title, but says the real reason he came into the world was to testify to reason he came into the world was to testify to the truth (18:37)the truth (18:37)

So eloquent and self-assured is Jesus that it is So eloquent and self-assured is Jesus that it is as if Pilate is the one on trial to determine if he as if Pilate is the one on trial to determine if he is of the truthis of the truth Pilate is calmly told he has no independent power Pilate is calmly told he has no independent power

over Jesus (19:10-11)over Jesus (19:10-11)

JohnJohn

Pilate knows the truth that Jesus is innocentPilate knows the truth that Jesus is innocent The question is whether Pilate will bear witness to The question is whether Pilate will bear witness to

the truth, or betray himself in order to appease the the truth, or betray himself in order to appease the crowdcrowd

In the end, Pilate betrays the truth and bows to the In the end, Pilate betrays the truth and bows to the crowd, exacting from them an insincere pledge of crowd, exacting from them an insincere pledge of allegiance to Caesarallegiance to Caesar

JohnJohn

Unique to John:Unique to John: scourging and mockery of scourging and mockery of Jesus not Jesus not afterafter the trial, but at the the trial, but at the centercenter of the of the trialtrial

Leads to climactic moment where Jesus, Leads to climactic moment where Jesus, scourged, mocked, draped in a purple cloak, scourged, mocked, draped in a purple cloak, and wearing a crown of thorns, is brought and wearing a crown of thorns, is brought from inside the Praetorium outside to the from inside the Praetorium outside to the crowdcrowd

JohnJohn The crowd cries “Crucify him!” as in the other The crowd cries “Crucify him!” as in the other

Gospels, but here it is in response to the sight Gospels, but here it is in response to the sight of the scourged Jesus, and Pilate’s of the scourged Jesus, and Pilate’s Ecce homoEcce homo “Here is the man!”“Here is the man!” Makes the rejection of Jesus seem even more Makes the rejection of Jesus seem even more

inhumaneinhumane Rejection of Jesus by the crowd, combined with Rejection of Jesus by the crowd, combined with

their expressed preference for Caesar, implies their expressed preference for Caesar, implies abandonment by the Jews of their own messianic abandonment by the Jews of their own messianic hopeshopes

““The Man” may reflect an ancient christological The Man” may reflect an ancient christological title for Jesus, akin to the “Son of Man”title for Jesus, akin to the “Son of Man”

JohnJohn

John’s hostility towards “the Jews” perhaps John’s hostility towards “the Jews” perhaps arises from the experience of his Christian arises from the experience of his Christian community and the synagoguecommunity and the synagogue Members of John’s community have been driven Members of John’s community have been driven

out of the synagogue and persecuted for professing out of the synagogue and persecuted for professing Jesus the Messiah (9:22, 12:42)Jesus the Messiah (9:22, 12:42)

Within decades of John’s gospel, a curse against Within decades of John’s gospel, a curse against deviants from Judaism will be added to the deviants from Judaism will be added to the synagogue prayer (synagogue prayer (Shemoneh EsrehShemoneh Esreh or the or the Eighteen Benedictions)Eighteen Benedictions)

JohnJohn

Being driven from the synagogue exposed Being driven from the synagogue exposed Christians to Roman investigation, punishment, Christians to Roman investigation, punishment, sometimes deathsometimes death

JohnJohn

Pilate exacts from the priests:Pilate exacts from the priests: A denial of their royal messianic hopesA denial of their royal messianic hopes A pledge of allegiance to the pitiful Tiberius A pledge of allegiance to the pitiful Tiberius

Caesar (who had given up the day-to-day running Caesar (who had given up the day-to-day running of the empire, and lived in seclusion on the isle of of the empire, and lived in seclusion on the isle of Capri)Capri)

He then turns Jesus over to the chief priests to He then turns Jesus over to the chief priests to be crucifiedbe crucified

Next Week:Next Week:The Crucifixion, Death The Crucifixion, Death

and Burial of Jesusand Burial of Jesus

Documents

The Death of the Messiah Jesus Before Pilate, the Roman Governor