and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate directly contrasts the crowd's accusation of Jesus misleading people with his own finding of "no fault" after a thorough examination. This highlights Pilate's personal, direct observation as being the authoritative word, even in the face of the religious leaders' manipulation. The phrase "before you" emphasizes that his judgment is based on what he's witnessed himself, not just the hearsay of the accusers.
and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate, after presenting Jesus to the crowds and Herod, now addresses the accusers directly, asserting that he found no guilt in Jesus despite their charges. This statement is made in the context of the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, and Pilate’s own wife’s warning about Jesus, all while the crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, clamors for Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer.
Pilate declares Jesus innocent, but why does this official pronouncement fall on deaf ears?
Pilate, the Roman governor, stands as an unlikely witness to Jesus' innocence. He publicly states to the chief priests and the crowd that he, after a thorough examination 'before you,' finds no guilt in Jesus regarding their accusations. This isn't just a casual remark; it's a legal verdict. The Greek word for 'examined' (anakrinas) suggests a deep, probing investigation, not a superficial glance. Pilate's 'I' in 'I have found no fault' is emphatic, directly contrasting with the accusers' claims and even a previous brief examination by Herod. He clearly communicates that the charges brought against Jesus do not hold up under scrutiny.
Why would a governor’s clear verdict be overridden by popular demand and the pressure of the religious elite?
Despite Pilate's repeated declarations of Jesus' innocence, the crowd, stirred up by the chief priests and elders, demands Jesus' crucifixion. This highlights a stark contrast between judicial truth and mob rule. The religious leaders' motive was envy, as noted by commentators, leading them to manipulate the populace. They twisted accusations of Jesus 'perverting the people'—leading them astray from their allegiance—into a call for His death. This wasn't about justice; it was about power and the removal of a threat to their own authority. Pilate, though recognizing Jesus' innocence, ultimately yields to the pressure, demonstrating how the fear of man and the potential for a riot can corrupt even those in authority.
Understand the original words
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apostrepho · Greek Verb
Literally to lead astray, deceive, or corrupt. In a biblical sense, it often refers to turning people away from the truth or the path of God.
aitios · Greek Adjective/Noun
A legal or moral fault; the state of being liable for a crime or sin. Biblically, it signifies a failure to meet God's standard of holiness.
aitia · Greek Noun
A formal accusation or legal charge brought against someone. In the context of the trial of Jesus, it refers to the claims brought by the religious leaders to justify his execution.
Pilate's declaration of Jesus' innocence highlights the political and religious pressures he faced. The verse underscores the stark contrast between Roman and Jewish leadership's assessments of Jesus, while also revealing Pilate's compromised judgment under popular demand.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate's Governorship
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea during this period, a time marked by tension between Roman rule and Jewish religious and political aspirations.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Accusation
Jesus' teachings and actions gained a significant following, drawing the attention and ire of the Jewish religious authorities who viewed him as a threat to their established order.
c. AD 30-33
The Passover Festival
This event took place during the Passover festival, a major Jewish pilgrimage festival in Jerusalem. Roman governors typically released a prisoner to the crowd during this time.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Pilate's Examination of Jesus
Pilate publicly interrogated Jesus, hearing the accusations from the chief priests and elders. He found no grounds for the charges and declared Jesus innocent.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod
To avoid making a decision and to further investigate, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, who was also in Jerusalem for the festival. Herod also found no fault in Jesus.
c. AD 30-33
Barabbas Released, Jesus Condemned
Despite finding Jesus innocent, Pilate succumbed to the crowd's pressure, stirred up by the chief priests, to release the notorious prisoner Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
Pilate directly tells Jesus, 'I find no guilt in him' here, echoing his statement to the crowd in Luke and highlighting his repeated inability to find a legitimate charge.
Luke 23:4This verse immediately precedes the one in question and sets up Pilate's declaration by stating his finding: 'I find no guilt in him.' It shows Pilate's initial, honest assessment of Jesus' innocence.
Acts 3:14This passage shows Peter confronting the crowd years later, accusing them of denying and demanding the release of a murderer. It highlights the contrast with Jesus' innocence that Pilate also declared.
Matthew 27:24This verse describes Pilate taking water and washing his hands, declaring 'I am innocent of this man's blood.' It shows his ultimate, albeit cowardly, attempt to absolve himself of responsibility, reinforcing his earlier declaration of Jesus' innocence.
calvinLuke 23:13-23: "And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,"
- Now the governor was wont at the festival to release to the multitude one prisoner, whomsoever they wished. 16. And they had at that time a notable prisoner, who was called Barabbas. 17. When they were assembled, therefore, Pilate said, Which of them do you wish that I should release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ? 18. For he knew that they had delivered him up through…
bengelLuke 23:14: "Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:"
Luke 23:14 . Ἐνώπιον ὑμῶν , in your presence ) from which ye sec that the matter has been examined into in good earnest.— οὐδὲν εὗρον , I have found nothing ) Hereby he refutes the εὓρομεν , we have found , of the Jews, in Luke 23:2 . Therefore the ἐγὼ , I , is the antithesi…
Pilate directly contrasts the crowd's accusation of Jesus misleading people with his own finding of "no fault" after a thorough examination. This highlights Pilate's personal, direct observation as being the authoritative word, even in the face of the religious leaders' manipulation. The phrase "before you" emphasizes that his judgment is based on what he's witnessed himself, not just the hearsay of the accusers.
Pilate, after presenting Jesus to the crowds and Herod, now addresses the accusers directly, asserting that he found no guilt in Jesus despite their charges. This statement is made in the context of the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, and Pilate’s own wife’s warning about Jesus, all while the crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, clamors for Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer.
Pilate, after presenting Jesus to the crowds and Herod, now addresses the accusers directly, asserting that he found no guilt in Jesus despite their charges. This statement is made in the context of the Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, and Pilate’s own wife’s warning about Jesus, all while the crowd, stirred up by the religious leaders, clamors for Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas, a known insurrectionist and murderer.
"and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him." — Pilate directly contrasts the crowd's accusation of Jesus misleading people with his own finding of "no fault" after a thorough examination. This highlights Pilate's personal, direct observation as b…
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Last reviewed October 2026