Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 19:8-10

"When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore saith unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to release thee, and have power to crucify thee?" — John 19:8-10 (ASV)

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Pilate talks as if he were someone great, yet how contemptibly insignificant he was, vacillating, cowardly, unable to do what he knew was right.

His poor Victim who stood before him was infinitely greater in character than he was.