Pilate

Also known as: Pontius Pilate · Family: Roman · Role: governor · First appears: Matthew 27

When Jesus was brought to Pilate for judgment, Pilate sent him away after learning that he belonged to another jurisdiction, and Jesus was later returned. Pilate then scourged Jesus and delivered him to be crucified, while releasing Barabbas instead. Acts records that Pilate had been “determined to let him go,” though Jesus was nevertheless condemned and killed.

Afterward, Joseph the husband of Mary begged for Jesus’s body, and Pilate commanded it to be delivered. Joseph of Arimathaea also asked to take the body, and Pilate gave him leave after confirming that Jesus was dead. Pilate later authorized the sepulchre to be secured, and Jesus’s witness before him was described as “a good confession.”