Again he went into the judgment hall, and said to Jesus, "Whence art Thou?" But Jesus gave him no answer. The Saviour had spoken freely to Pilate, explaining His own mission as a witness to the truth. Pilate had disregarded the light. He had abused the high office of judge by yielding his principles and authority to the demands of the mob. Jesus had no further light for him. Vexed at His silence, Pilate said haughtily: "Speakest Thou not unto me? knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?"

Atter gik han ind i domssalen og sagde til Jesus: "Hvor er du fra" Men Jesus svarede ham ikke. Frelseren havde talt frit ud til Pilatus og havde forklaret ham om sin egen sendelse som et vidne om sandheden. Pilatus havde ringeagtet lyset. Han havde misbrugt sin høje stilling som dommer ved at ofre sine principper og sin myndighed for at give efter for mængdens fordringer. Nu havde Jesus ikke mere lys at give ham. Ærgerlig over hans tavshed sagde Pilatus hovmodigt: "Svarer du mig ikke? Ved du ikke, at jeg har magt til at give dig fri og magt til at lade dig korsfæste?"