John 19:12

From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him.

He continued his efforts, which John passes over with the statement. That they were persistent is indicated by the threatening reply of the Jews:

If thou let this man go, thou art not Cæsar's friend.

This means that he will be accused before Cæsar's tribunal of overlooking treason. The Cæsar then on the throne was Tiberius, dark, suspicious, cruel in character. Such. charge from the representatives of the Jewish nation at Rome would probably prove fatal to Pilate; would certainly end his career as. public man. The risk is too great. He would rather sacrifice an innocent man than himself. Hence he at once surrenders. The struggle is over.