John Calvin Commentary John 19:1

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him." — John 19:1 (ASV)

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus. Pilate adheres to his original intention; but to the former disgrace he adds a second, hoping that, when Christ has been scourged, the Jews will be satisfied with this light punishment. When he strives so earnestly, and without any success, we should recognize in this the decree of Heaven, by which Christ was appointed to death.

Yet his innocence is frequently testified to by the judge, in order to assure us that he was free from all sin, and that he was substituted as a guilty person in place of others, and bore the punishment due to the sins of others. We see also in Pilate a remarkable example of a trembling conscience.

He acquits Christ with his mouth, and acknowledges that there is no guilt in him, and yet inflicts punishment on him, as if he were guilty. Thus, those who do not have enough courage to defend what is right with unshaken constancy must be driven back and forth, and led to adopt opposite and conflicting opinions.

We all condemn Pilate; and yet, it is shameful to relate that there are so many Pilates in the world, who scourge Christ, not only in his members, but also in his doctrine. There are many who, for the purpose of saving the lives of those who are persecuted for the sake of the Gospel, wickedly compel them to deny Christ. What is this, but to expose Christ to ridicule, so that he may lead a dishonorable life?

Others select and approve of certain parts of the Gospel, and yet tear the whole Gospel to pieces. They think that they have done very well, if they have corrected a few gross abuses.

It would be better that the doctrine should be buried for a time, than that it should be scourged in this manner, for it would spring up again in spite of the devil and of tyrants; but nothing is more difficult than to restore it to its purity after it has once been corrupted.