Pontius Pilate (Good or Bad?)

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In the contemporary literature of the 1st century, both Josephus and Philo of Alexandria describe Pilate as ruthless ruler who often disrespected Jewish customs. Philo says he had a “vindictiveness and furious temper” (Philo, On The Embassy of Gauis Book XXXVIII 299–305).

Many have pointed out that the Gospels portray Pilate much more sympathetic in nature which is unlike what is known about him in historically. A number of scholars have said this was due to the authors of the New Testament hoping to make peace with the Romans, while subsequently vilifying the Jews due to sectarian conflict at this time.

What does CAF think?
 
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I think he was stuck between a rock and a hard place. No riots or he would be killed. He had already failed at other assignments. That’s why his wife was frantic to get him to just drop it. It NWA’s either him or Jesus. He couldn’t understand why Jesus went like a lamb.
 
If I had been Pilate… Well, I probably wouldn’t have been very nice to the Sanhedrin. I understand his position. It was a difficult assignment to keep order.

Personally, I would’ve put down the rebellions and spared Jesus before escaping to France 🇫🇷
 
It is my understanding that Pilate was in hot water with the leaders in Rome over many needless acts of cruelty perpetrated on the Jews in Jerusalem and other parts of the territory. Pilate, though ruthless and cruel, was desperate to curry favor with his superiors in Rome and did not want any innocent blood shed while he was in power. Though he couldn’t figure out Jesus’ apparent timidity, he really didn’t want anymore trouble. He tried to avert the events that eventually transpired, desperate to save his own skin. His sympathetic nature as the OP opined, was probably more a product of self interest than it was of a genuine feeling of charity or justice. Simply, poor Pilate was caught between a rock and a hard place in this situation. Some historic accounts have him being recalled to Rome and stripped of his power and prestige, dying in virtual anonymity.
 
joeybaggz said:
Some historic accounts have him being recalled to Rome and stripped of his power and prestige, dying in virtual anonymity.
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On that note, almost all the historical sources we have on his death say he committed suicide. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, this was because he regretted killing Jesus.

Did you know the Ethiopian Orthodox Church actually venerates Pilate as a Saint?
 
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Gotta agree. He and Mrs. Pilate could have lived out their golden years on some beach on the Riviera, maybe playing in the casinos and enjoying the sun and the great wines and cheeses of the locale. Sure better than having to deal with the Sanhedrin.
 
thephilosopher6 said:
Did you know the Ethiopian Orthodox Church actually venerates Pilate as a Saint?
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Must make for some grins and giggles at Confirmation time. “And what is the name of the saint you have chosen for your confirmation name? Pontius, ah wonderful choice.”
Wouldn’t you love to be there?
 
The Ethiopians have made a lot of strange choices for their various canons.
 
I’ve always felt Pilate was weak, when he needed to be strong. Symbolic of sinners in general. A cautionary tale for us not to betray Jesus, when we are tested. But his role was necessary as part of the whole “Greatest Story to be Ever Told” story of salvation.
 
goodcatholic said:
I’ve always felt Pilate was weak, when he needed to be strong. Symbolic of sinners in general. A cautionary tale for us not to betray Jesus, when we are tested. But his role was necessary as part of the whole “Greatest Story to be Ever Told” story of salvation.
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Good take on the gospel account!
 
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I wash my hands of this Thread 😛
 
I think he didn’t want to be a part of it.
“The Jews want Christ crucified, why do I gotta do anything about it? It’s not like he’s breaking any Roman laws, they’re just saying he’s “blaspheming”, those Jews with their belief in one God and all.”
something like that.
 
ruthless? i think pilate was as “ruthless” as he needed to

he was the pagan military governor of an an extremely hostile territory

jesus meant peanuts to him
pilate was trying to quell a pharisees-indudced riot

he asked more than once if he should let the iterant preacher free
 
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