Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Jesus’ penetrating analysis of the situation made Pilate more eager than ever to release him. But the popular pressure was too strong. The cry “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar” carried the day. The phrase “a friend of Caesar” usually denoted a supporter or associate of the emperor, a member of the important inner circle. The cry was a veiled threat: if Pilate exonerated Jesus, the high priest would report to Rome that Pilate had refused to bring a rival pretender to justice and was perhaps plotting to establish a new political alliance of his own. Tiberius, the reigning emperor, was notoriously bitter and suspicious of rivals. If such a report were sent to him, he would instantly end Pilate’s political career and probably his life.