"I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it." Matthew 27:24. In vain Pilate tried to free himself from the guilt of condemning Jesus. Had he acted promptly and firmly at the first, carrying out his convictions of right, his will would not have been overborne by the mob; they would not have presumed to dictate to him. His wavering and indecision proved his ruin. He saw that he could not release Jesus, and yet retain his own position and honor.

"Jeg er uskyldig i dennes blod; det bliver jeres sag!" Matt. 27,24. Forgæves søgte Pilatus at befri sig fra den skyld at domfælde Jesus. Havde han fra først af handlet hurtigt og bestemt og gjort det, han vidste var ret, så var hans vilje ikke blevet overvundet af pøbelen; de ville ikke have vovet at befale over ham. Hans vaklen og ubeslutsomhed blev hans fald. Han indså, at han ikke kunne løslade Jesus og samtidig bevare sin stilling og ære.