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Verse Takeaways
1
A Political Standoff
Commentators see this exchange as a tense political maneuver. Pilate attempts to dismiss the case as an internal Jewish matter, telling them to handle it themselves. However, the Jewish leaders counter by admitting their goal is execution, a power only Rome held. This forces Pilate's involvement and exposes that their true aim was not a fair trial, but a death sentence.
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John
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On John 18:31
18th Century
Theologian
Judge him. The Jews had not directly informed him that they had judged him and pronounced him worthy of death. Pilate th…
AT Robertson
On John 18:31
Yourselves (υμεις). Emphatic. Pilate shrewdly turns the case over to the Sanhedrin in reply to their insolence, who have said noth…
Charles Ellicott
On John 18:31
19th Century
Bishop
Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.—Pilate takes them at their word. They claim the judicial right; let the…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 18:31
19th Century
Preacher
The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
"You Romans have taken from us the power of life …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 18:31
Pilate took much the same position Gallio later did at Paul’s arrest in Corinth (Acts 18:12–16). An argument about the ceremonial requi…
John Calvin
On John 18:31
16th Century
Theologian
According to your law. Pilate, offended by their barbarous and violent proceedings, undoubtedly reproaches them by stating that this form …
John Gill
On John 18:31
17th Century
Pastor
Then said Pilate unto them Either ironically, knowing that they did not, or it was not in their power, to judge in capita…
Matthew Henry
On John 18:28–32
17th Century
Minister
It was unjust to put one to death who had done so much good; therefore, the Jews were willing to save themselves from reproach. Many fear the scand…