New Testament · 1st century

Pontius Pilate

Who was Pontius Pilate?

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who, against his own judgment, sentenced Jesus to be crucified.

RoleRoman governor who sentenced Jesus
Era1st century
RoleRoman governor of Judea
Famous question“What is truth?”
DecisionCondemned Jesus under pressure

Pilate found no basis for a charge against Jesus and tried several times to release him. He asked the famous question, “What is truth?” and offered the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas.

Pressured by the crowd and fearing unrest, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, washing his hands to disclaim responsibility.

He fixed the sign over the cross — “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” — and his name is recited in the creeds ever after.

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.” John 19:16 “Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, and the soldiers took Him away.”
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.