Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pilate's statement, "I find no fault in this man," is more than just an observation; it's a formal declaration of innocence that he reiterates multiple times, highlighting his personal conviction despite intense pressure. This repeated affirmation underscores how Luke emphasizes Jesus' blamelessness as a key aspect of his trial, even before the Roman governor.
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Jewish leaders have brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pilate, accusing Him of treason and sedition. Pilate interrogates Jesus, and finding no basis for the charges, declares Him innocent. However, the accusers persist, and Pilate, seeking to avoid a direct confrontation and possibly to deflect responsibility, sends Jesus to Herod, who also examines Him without finding fault.
Pilate, a Roman governor, had the power to condemn or release Jesus. Yet, his declaration of Jesus' innocence wasn't an act of justice, but a reluctant admission in a political game.
When Pilate says, “I find no fault in this man,” he's speaking as the Roman authority responsible for maintaining order. The accusations leveled against Jesus by the chief priests and crowds were political: subverting the nation, forbidding tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be a king. Pilate, after examining Jesus privately (as John's Gospel reveals), determines these charges are baseless. He sees Jesus isn't a threat to Roman rule. However, Pilate’s primary concern isn't truth or righteousness, but appeasing the crowd and avoiding a riot that could jeopardize his position. His pronouncement of innocence is therefore weak, easily overridden by the escalating demands of the accusers. He's caught between his own judgment and the political pressure, ultimately failing to act justly.
The religious leaders and crowds didn't bring charges based on truth, but on malice. Their 'evidence' was twisted to condemn Jesus, revealing a deep-seated hatred disguised as legal complaint.
The accusations against Jesus – 'perverting the nation,' 'forbidding tribute to Caesar,' 'claiming to be a King' – were strategically designed to incite Roman fear and anger. These weren't honest claims but loaded political accusations. The Jewish leaders knew Pilate's sensitivity to any perceived threat to Roman authority. Even when Pilate found no fault, they persisted, escalating their claims by mentioning Galilee, a region known for rebellion, and then accusing Jesus of inciting people. This persistence, described as them 'growing stronger' or 'becoming more emphatic,' shows their desperate and hateful agenda. They were weaponizing the legal and political system to achieve their goal: the death of Jesus, regardless of His innocence.
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Jesus, though innocent, remains largely silent before His accusers and even Pilate. This silence isn't weakness, but a powerful testament to His mission and trust in God's plan.
A striking aspect of this scene is Jesus' relative silence. While He answers Pilate's direct question about being King of the Jews, He mostly refrains from defending Himself against the barrage of accusations. This silence is deeply significant. The commentaries note Pilate’s astonishment at Jesus’ lack of response, seeing it as unusual for a criminal. However, Jesus’ silence fulfills prophecy (like Isaiah 53:7, 'he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and he did not open his mouth') and demonstrates His submission to God's will. His silence isn't an admission of guilt, but an affirmation of His identity as the suffering Servant, whose purpose is to be a sacrifice. While the chief priests and crowds are loud and insistent in their condemnation, Jesus’ quiet integrity stands in stark contrast, highlighting the truth that He is the 'faultless' one.
Understand the original words
aition · Greek Noun
A state of being liable for a wrong committed, a legal or moral offense, or a failure to meet a standard. In a legal sense, it is the finding of a crime worthy of punishment.
c. AD 26-36
Pilate Serves as Roman Governor
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. His tenure was marked by conflict with Jewish leaders and subjects due to his insensitivity to religious customs.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Arrest
During this period, Jesus conducted his public ministry, drawing large crowds but also attracting the suspicion of Jewish religious authorities. He was arrested in Jerusalem after the Last Supper.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Brought Before Pilate
Following his arrest, Jesus was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who was responsible for maintaining order and administering justice in Judea.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Sent to Herod Antipas
When Pilate learned Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee who was visiting Jerusalem, to have him judged.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Returned to Pilate
After being questioned and mocked by Herod, Jesus was sent back to Pilate, effectively making Pilate responsible for the final decision.
c. AD 30-33
Pilate Washes His Hands
Under pressure from the crowd and Jewish leaders, Pilate publicly declared his innocence of Jesus' blood but ultimately yielded to their demands for crucifixion.
This passage directly follows Jesus' interaction with Pilate where Jesus declares His kingdom is not of this world, and Pilate's statement of innocence echoes the same sentiment found in Luke.
Matthew 27:24This passage highlights Pilate's public declaration of Jesus' innocence by washing his hands, underscoring his attempt to distance himself from condemning an apparently blameless man.
1 Peter 2:22This verse directly states that Jesus 'committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth,' which powerfully supports Pilate's declaration of innocence by framing Jesus' life within a theological context of sinlessness.
Isaiah 53:7This prophetic verse describes the suffering servant being 'oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.' This silence and lack of defense, noted in the Gospel accounts, aligns with the 'no fault' finding by Pilate.
Acts 13:28This passage, spoken by Paul in Antioch, echoes the events of Jesus' trial, stating that although the Jews and their rulers 'found no guilt in him, they asked Pilate that he might be slain,' reinforcing the theme of unjust condemnation despite a lack of evidence.
calvinLuke 23:2-12: "And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."
- Now Jesus stood [245] before the governor. And the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus saith to him, Thou sayest it. [246] 12. And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, and he answered nothing. 13. Then Pilate saith to him, Hearest thou not how many things they testify…
clarkeLuke 23:4: "Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man."
I find no fault in this man - According to John 18:36 , John 18:38 , Pilate did not say this till after our Lord had declared to him that his kingdom was not of this world; and probably not till after he had found, on examining witnesses, ( Luke 23:14 ), that all their evidence amounted to no proof, of his having set up himself for a temporal king. See Bishop Pearce.
Pilate's statement, "I find no fault in this man," is more than just an observation; it's a formal declaration of innocence that he reiterates multiple times, highlighting his personal conviction despite intense pressure. This repeated affirmation underscores how Luke emphasizes Jesus' blamelessness as a key aspect of his trial, even before the Roman governor.
The Jewish leaders have brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pilate, accusing Him of treason and sedition. Pilate interrogates Jesus, and finding no basis for the charges, declares Him innocent. However, the accusers persist, and Pilate, seeking to avoid a direct confrontation and possibly to deflect responsibility, sends Jesus to Herod, who also examines Him without finding fault.
The Jewish leaders have brought Jesus before the Roman governor, Pilate, accusing Him of treason and sedition. Pilate interrogates Jesus, and finding no basis for the charges, declares Him innocent. However, the accusers persist, and Pilate, seeking to avoid a direct confrontation and possibly to deflect responsibility, sends Jesus to Herod, who also examines Him without finding fault.
"Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”" — Pilate's statement, "I find no fault in this man," is more than just an observation; it's a formal declaration of innocence that he reiterates multiple times, highlighting his personal conviction des…
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Last reviewed October 2026