Person · Bible dictionary
Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea who, though finding no guilt in Jesus, handed him over to be crucified.
Pilate questioned Jesus, declared he found no basis for a charge, yet yielded to the crowd’s demand. He famously washed his hands, trying to disown responsibility.
His name is preserved in the creeds—Jesus ‘suffered under Pontius Pilate’—anchoring the crucifixion in real history.
Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
John 18:38 ““What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him.” Matthew 27:24 “When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “You bear the responsibility.””
Related
Original BibleDawn entry. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.