Christ's appearance made a favorable impression upon Pilate. His better nature was roused. He had heard of Jesus and His works. His wife had told him something of the wonderful deeds performed by the Galilean prophet, who cured the sick and raised the dead. Now this revived as a dream in Pilate's mind. He recalled rumors that he had heard from several sources. He resolved to demand of the Jews their charges against the prisoner.

Synet af Kristus gjorde et fordelagtigt indtryk på Pilatus. Hans bedre følelser blev vakt til live. Han havde hørt om Jesus og hans gerninger. Hans hustru havde fortalt ham noget om de undergerninger, der skete ved denne galilæiske profet, der helbredte de syge og opvækkede de døde. Nu genoplevede Pilatus dette som en drøm i sine tanker. Han mindedes rygter, han havde hørt fra forskellige sider. Han besluttede at spørge jøderne, hvad det var, de anklagede fangen for.