33. Because of the importunity of the Jews (οὗν) Pilate is obliged to investigate further; and being only Procurator, although cum potestate, has no Quaestor, but conducts the examination himself. Probably the Roman guards had already brought Jesus inside the Praetorium: Pilate now calls Him before the judgment-seat. What follows implies that He had not heard the previous conversation with the Jews.

σὺ εἶ ὁ β. τ. Ἰ. In all four Gospels these are Pilate’s first words to Jesus, and S. Luke (Luke 23:2) gives the Jewish accusation which suggested them; ‘saying that He Himself is Christ a king.’ In all four Σύ is emphatic. The appearance of Jesus is in such contrast to royalty that Pilate speaks with surprise (comp. John 4:12; John 8:53): his meaning is either ‘Dost Thou claim to be King?’ or, ‘Art Thou the so-called King?’ The civil title, ‘the King of the Jews,’ first appears in the mouth of the wise men (Matthew 2:1), next in the mouth of Pilate: contrast the theocratic title, ‘the K. or Israel’ (John 1:50).

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Old Testament