Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:30

"They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee." — John 18:30 (ASV)

Pilate’s initial question was the normal opening inquiry for a trial under Roman law: “What charges are you bringing against this man?” He would not automatically pronounce a sentence without knowing the alleged crime. The answer was elusive. The high priest no doubt knew that Jesus was not guilty of any crime under Roman law.