JOHN—NOTE ON John 18:31 Pilate is not interested in judging internal Jewish disputes (compare Acts 18:14). It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death. The Romans had taken away the Sanhedrin’s right to impose capital punishment. Known exceptions are probably either mob actions (Stephen’s death in Acts 7:1; previous attempts to stone Jesus) or official Jewish actions when Roman oversight was weak. The Sanhedrin clearly wanted Jesus’ execution to be done in keeping with Roman law. But since Pilate would not be interested in condemning someone for a religious crime (see Matthew 26:64; Luke 22:69; John 8:58; John 10:33; John 19:7), they needed to bring a political charge against Jesus. They said that he claimed to be king in opposition to Caesar (see John 18:33, John 18:37; John 19:3, John 19:12, John 19:15, John 19:19).

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising