Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 19:12

"Upon this Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou release this man, thou art not Caesar`s friend: every one that maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar." — John 19:12 (ASV)

And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

One of the Herods had put on his coins the name, "Caesar's friend". And so they quoted the title that one of their kings had taken, and they tell Pilate that he will not be the friend of Tiberius.

Here was a sore point with Pilate; he knew that just then Tiberius was gloomy and morose, too ready to find fault with his servants; and the man by whose influence Pilate had come into power had just then lost all influence at court. So he was afraid it would be his disgrace and discharge as governor if the Jews brought a charge against him to Tiberius. Therefore he trembled.