Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:12

"And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing." — Matthew 27:12 (ASV)

Persistent charges by “the chief priests and the elders” evoke only silence from Jesus. If Jesus had said nothing at all, Pilate would be bound to condemn him, since in the Roman system the defense depended heavily on the defendant’s response. But Jesus has spoken (v.11). Now, surrounded by unbelief and conscious that the hour has come, he makes no reply. Thus he continues to fulfill Isa 53:7 . Pilate’s “great amazement” appears to be mingled with respect for Jesus and antipathy for the Jewish leaders, and so he takes tentative steps to release the prisoner.