Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate was a Roman Prefect who governed Judea from 26 to
36 A.D. He married the granddaughter of Augustus Caesar.
In 27 A.D. Tiberius Caesar retired to the island of Capri, and
appointed Lucius Sejanus to govern Rome. Sejanus hated the Jews.
Pilate Provokes the Jews
Pilate, to gain the favor of Sejanus, offended the Jews by
ordering troops to carry shields into Jerusalem bearing the
emperor's image. Pilate later seized temple funds to construct
an aqueduct in Jerusalem.
Pilate also issued coins bearing a staff symbolizing emperor
worship. In 31 A.D. Tiberius executed Sejanus for treason. A
year later he ordered Pilate to stop minting the offensive
coins.
Luke 23 Outline
23:1-25
Roman Trials
23:1-7
Jesus before Pilate
23:1-2
Jews deliver Jesus to Pilate
23:3-4
Pilate questions Jesus
23:5-7
Jesus the Galilean sent to Herod
23:8-12
Jesus before Herod
23:8-9
Herod questions Jesus
23:10-12
Jesus accused, mocked, and beaten
23:13-25
Jesus before Pilate
23:13-17
Pilate declares innocence of Jesus
23:18-25
Pilate releases Barabbas and condemns Jesus
23:26-49
Crucifixion
23:26
Simon carries the cross
23:27-31
Jesus addresses weeping women
23:32-33
Crucified between two criminals
23:34
“Father, forgive them …”
23:40-43
Jesus’ promise to the penitent thief
23:44-46
Jesus dies
23:47-49
Observers respond to the death of Christ
23:50-56
Burial of Jesus
23:50-53
Joseph of Arimathea
23:54-56
Women prepare spices and rest on Sabbath
Pontius Pilate and the Crucifixion
Pilate did not want to crucify Jesus, and repeatedly tried to
release him. But, because the Jews threatened to report him to
Tiberius (John 19:12), Pilate sentenced Jesus (Luke 23:4,
14-25).
Pilate wrote the inscription over the cross (John 19:19-22); and
gave Joseph of Arimathea permission to bury Jesus (John 19:38).