Pilate was not a just or a conscientious judge; but weak though he was in moral power, he refused to grant this request. He would not condemn Jesus until a charge had been brought against Him.

Pilatus var ikke nogen retfærdig eller samvittighedsfuld dommer; men skønt han var svag i moralsk henseende, afslog han at opfylde denne bøn. Han ville ikke dømme Jesus, før der var fremkommet en anklage imod ham.