John Calvin Commentary John 19:9

"and he entered into the Praetorium again, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer." — John 19:9 (ASV)

And he entered again into the hall, and said to Jesus, Whence Art Thou? It is evident from this that Pilate was in a state of perplexity and anguish, because he was afraid that he would be punished for sacrilege if he laid his hand on the Son of God. It should be observed that when he asks from where Christ is, he is not inquiring about his country. Instead, the meaning is as if he had said, “Are you a man born on the earth, or are you some god?” Therefore, the interpretation I give to this passage is that Pilate, struck with the fear of God, was in perplexity and doubt about what he should do. He saw, on the one hand, the incitement of a riot, and on the other hand, his conscience bound him not to offend God for the sake of avoiding danger.

This example is highly worthy of observation. Though the appearance of Christ was so disfigured, yet, as soon as Pilate hears the name of God, he is seized with the fear of violating the majesty of God in a man who was utterly lowly and despicable. If reverence for God had so much influence on an irreligious man, must they not be worse than reprobate, who now judge divine things playfully and jokingly, carelessly, and without any fear? Indeed, Pilate is a proof that men naturally have a sentiment of religion, which does not allow them to rush fearlessly in any direction they choose when the question relates to divine things.

This is the reason I said that those who, in handling the doctrine of Scripture, are not more impressed with the majesty of God than if they were disputing about the shadow of an ass, are given up to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28). Yet they will one day feel to their destruction what veneration is due to the name of God, which they now treat with such disdainful and outrageous mockery. It is shocking to relate how haughtily the Papists condemn the plain and certain truth of God, and with what cruelty they shed innocent blood. From where, I ask you, comes that drunken stupidity, but because they do not remember that they have anything to do with God?

And Jesus gave him no answer. We should not think it strange that Jesus makes no reply. This is understandable if we keep in mind what I have previously mentioned: he did not stand before Pilate to plead his own cause—as is customary for accused persons who desire to be acquitted—but rather to suffer condemnation. For it was proper that he should be condemned when he appeared in our place.

This is the reason he makes no defense. And yet, Christ’s silence is not inconsistent with what Paul says:

Remember that Christ, before Pilate, made a good confession,
(1 Timothy 6:13).

For there he maintained the faith of the Gospel as far as was necessary, and his death was nothing less than the sealing of the doctrine he delivered. Christ left nothing undone of what was necessary to make a lawful confession, but he kept silent regarding his acquittal.

Besides, there was some danger that Pilate would acquit Christ as one of the so-called gods, just as Tiberius wished to rank him among the gods of the Romans. Justly, therefore, does Christ, by his silence, rebuke this foolish superstition.