Charles Ellicott Commentary John 18:29

"Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?" — John 18:29 (ASV)

Pilate then went out to them.—Better, Pilate therefore went out to them—that is, because of their religious scruples they would not enter into the palace.

What accusation do you bring against this man?—Compare John 18:33. They expected that he would have at once ordered His execution; but he asks for the formal charge which they bring against Him. He knew by hearsay what this was, but demands the legal accusation without which the trial could not proceed. As the Roman procurator, he demands what crime Jesus has committed against the Roman law.