During the creed at mass

[una_ecclesia]

Is there any reason why we specifically mention Pontius Pilate in the nicene creed? I was just curious, since he, other than Christ and Mary, is the only other human being mentioned throughout. I know he had a role in Christ’s death, but unless there was some underlying intent in specifically refering to him I currently don’t see what the point is. Anyone here have any ideas? I’m not trying to question the authority of the Church in any way. I’m just wondering…

 

[passus]

The Roman Catechism says that the Creed’s patent mention of Christ’s death under Pontio Pilato was so that Christ’s death could be “rendered more easily ascertainable” by everyone. Stating who was in power at the time serves the same purpose as a date. In a way, we could say that it gives stock to the event of Christ’s Passion.

It also serves as a fulfillment of the prophecy that Christ would be delivered to the Gentiles (cf. Matthew 20:19). Pontius Pilate was a Roman. The Romans were Gentiles.

According to the* Roman Catechism*:“Under Pontius Pilate”

Since we find it here so diligently recorded that Jesus Christ suffered when Pontius Pilate was procurator of Judea, the pastor should explain the reason. By fixing the time, which we find also done by the Apostle Paul, so important and so necessary an event is rendered more easily ascertainable by all. Furthermore those words show that the Saviour’s prediction was really verified: They shall deliver him to the Gentiles, to be mocked and scourged and crucified (art. IV).
I hope that helps answer your question.

God bless.

 

[japhy]

I attended a lecture series given by Dr. Ted Sri a couple weekends ago, and one lecture was on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. He mentioned that in the Rosary and the Creed, the cowardice of Pilate is immortalized.

The scourging of Jesus at the command of Pilate was, from an objective viewpoint, absolutely and horribly superfluous. The Pharisees wanted Jesus dead, not beaten. It was adding insult to injury. Christ endured not only a sacrificial death on the cross, but “gratuitous” beatings and humiliation, for our sake. Jesus suffered more than was necessary.

This has tremendous spiritual and mystical importance for those who call themselves Christ’s disciples. We too are called to undergo suffering, to endure persecution, to be treated unjustly… but to unite that suffering to the meritorious suffering of Jesus Christ which gives our own suffering salvific meaning. (See Colossians 1:24.)

The cowardice (lack of fortitude) of Pilate is a warning to us today.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

It also defines Jesus’ death as occurring at a specific time in history. It takes it out of the “Once upon a time” category.

 

[benedictgal]

Remember, too, that the Roman Martyrology,out of which we get the Proclamation of the Birth of Christ, also mentions secular places, people and events, such as the Olympiad, the founding of Rome, and Caesar Augustus to state, in no uncertain terms, that Jesus’ birth was the most significant event in history. The fact that Pilate is mentioned in the Creed further drives home the point because he is our historical point of reference. He was the authority under which this happened.

 

[Jesus_N_Cherie]

Is there any reason why we specifically mention Pontius Pilate in the nicene creed? I was just curious, since he, other than Christ and Mary, is the only other human being mentioned throughout. I know he had a role in Christ’s death, but unless there was some underlying intent in specifically refering to him I currently don’t see what the point is. Anyone here have any ideas? I’m not trying to question the authority of the Church in any way. I’m just wondering…

Before reading and commenting, I want you to know that I love your picture and caption in your signature!

 

[DixitDominus]

Pilate is mentioned in the creed to show our belief that Christ’s passion took place in true history.