History
Pontius Pilate was the fifth Roman procurator
of Judaea, appointed to that office by Tiberius
in AD 26. His term lasted ten years. Pilate
was in residence in Jerusalem during Passover
when Jesus was arrested and put on trial, and
it was he who pronounced the sentence of death.
Pontius Pilate Inscription - Caesarea
It was not long ago when many scholars
were questioning the actual existence of a Roman
Governor with the name Pontius Pilate. In
June 1961 Italian archaeologists led by Dr.
Frova were
excavating an ancient Roman amphitheatre near
Caesarea-on-the-Sea (Maritima) and uncovered
this interesting limestone block. On
the face is a monumental inscription which
is part of a larger dedication to Tiberius Caesar.
The inscription reads:
"
Pontius
Pilate, Prefect of Judaea."
The
original inscription is currently housed in
the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, where it's
Inventory number is AE 1963 no. 104. It has
been dated
to the year 26–37.
Bronze coin of Pontius Pilate
The coin designs of the procurators were in general
anodyne: the three first incumbents chose neutral
symbols such as ears of barley, palm-trees and
cornucopias; none placed their own names on the
coins, merely the name of the ruling Roman emperor
and the year of his reign. The designs of Pilate's
issues strayed from the norm. On the front of
his coins appear items of Roman cultic paraphernalia:
the simpulum (a form of ladle) and, as on this
issue, the lituus (an augural staff). The reverse
of the coin carries the regnal year 17 of emperor
Tiberius (this is the year AD 30/1. - British
Museum.
Pilate mentioned by other Historians
A lot is known of Pilate, not only from the
New Testament, but also from famous chroniclers
of that period, Philo and Josephus. Philo
describes him as "a man of inflexible
disposition, harsh and obdurate," and
he is further characterized as a person of
cruel, selfish and malicious intent.
Tacticus Annals
The Roman historian Tacitus wrote concerning the Great Fire of Rome, in Book
15, chapter 44 of his Annals:
"
Hence to suppress the rumor, Nero falsely
charged with the guilt, and punished Christians,
who were hated for their enormities. Christus,
the founder of the name, was put to death
by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea"
Josephus Mentions Pontus Pilate Numerous
Times
"When Gratus had done those things in Judea
eleven years, when Pontius
Pilate came as
his successor"
Josephus - Antiquities of the
Jews - Book 20 Chapter 5:2
Just How Bad Was Jesus Really Beaten?
According
to the testimony of the historian Josephus
the movie the Passion of the Christ accurately
portrays the level of brutality Christ suffered.
"At this the multitude had
great indignation; and when Pilate was
come to Jerusalem, they came about his tribunal,
and made a clamor at it. Now the Jews were
so badly
beaten, that many of them
perished by the stripes they received,
and many of them perished as trodden to death,
by which means the multitude
was astonished at the calamity of those that
were slain, and held their peace."
Josephus - The Wars of the
Jews- Book 2 Chapter 9
Critics can argue over what historian they
believe to give an accurate portrayal of Pilate's
character and demeanor but the fact is they
do mention Pilate by name as further evidence
of his existence.
Scriptures
Luke 3:1 Now in
the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius
Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea
John 19:15 But they
cried out, Away with him, away with him,crucify
him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify
your King? The chief
priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod
were made friends together: for before they
were at enmity between themselves.
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