These words from a heathen judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who were accusing the Saviour. As the priests and elders heard this from Pilate, their disappointment and rage knew no bounds. They had long plotted and waited for this opportunity. As they saw the prospect of the release of Jesus, they seemed ready to tear Him in pieces. They loudly denounced Pilate, and threatened him with the censure of the Roman government. They 728 accused him of refusing to condemn Jesus, who, they affirmed, had set Himself up against Caesar.

Disse ord fra en hedensk dommer var en svidende irettesættelse for forræderiet og falskheden hos Israels øvrighed, der anklagede Frelseren. Da præsterne og de ældste hørte dette fra Pilatus, kendte deres skuffelse og raseri ingen grænser. De havde i lange tider planlagt og afventet denne gunstige lejlighed. Da de så, at der var udsigt til, at Jesus blev frigivet, var det, som om de var parat til at sønderrive ham. De anklagede med høj røst Pilatus og truede ham med den romerske regerings utilfredshed. De beskyldte ham for at afslå at dømme Jesus, som de hævdede havde sat sig op mod kejseren.