Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:35

"Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?" — John 18:35 (ASV)

Jesus’ reply to Pilate’s question irritated him, for he was accustomed to receiving answers to his questions, not challenges. His question expected a negative answer: “I am not a Jew, am I?” He insisted that he was merely endeavoring to find the key to the puzzling case the Jewish leaders had brought before him. He had not originated the accusation, but he wanted to know what Jesus had done to arouse their hatred.