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Pilate and his sin?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by menageriekeeper, Apr 27, 2012.

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  1. menageriekeeper

    menageriekeeper Active Member

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    We need something better to arg-discuss so here goes:

    Did the act of washing his hands absolve Piliate of the sin of sending an innocent man to his death?

    It's something I've wondered about for a while. Support your answers with Scripture, history, cultural norms of the time, but do tell why you believe the way you do.
     
    #1 menageriekeeper, Apr 27, 2012
  2. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    My understanding is that this was a symbolic act. Pilate was, in effect, saying to the Pharisees, "this is all on you."

    Matthew 27 provides some insight:
    Remember, Pilate found Jesus not guilty of the charge of treason (and so did Herod Antipas). The Jews basically threatened Pilate with political trouble if he let Jesus go.

    So, he symbolically washed his hands of the affair, saying he was no longer responsible for what happened.

    The Jews replied
    The Jews, in effect, did absolve Pilate of responsibility.

    But Pilate, to this day, is seen as the one who basically condemned Jesus to death.
     
    #2 Tom Butler, Apr 27, 2012
  3. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    Although Pilate found no fault/guilt in Christ there is no way that He could have been crucified without Pilate ordering it. The washing was symbolic in saying that what he was about to do was not his choice and we see that he even pronounced himself not guilty yet he still gave the order to put Christ to death. James says to him who knows to do good and does not to him it is sin, James 4:17. Pilate was not free from what he did based on his own words about Christ having no guilt. He knew what was right and did not do it. The symbolic washing had no ability to release him from his sin.
     
    #3 freeatlast, Apr 27, 2012
  4. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    Pilate washing his hands was not determining whether or not Christ would be crucified, but who would actually condemn the Lord Jesus to crucifixion.

    The response of the people saying "let His blood be upon our heads" is saying to Pilot, we condemn him irregardless of Roman law finding Him innocent.

    I wonder of the following years if Pilot didn't wander the halls at night like Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth - ritually washing her hands...
     
    #4 agedman, Apr 27, 2012
  5. menageriekeeper

    menageriekeeper Active Member

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    The Jews took the blame, did God lay it at their feet? Or does Pilate still bear the burden of his participation? Read the next response, please, before you answer.

    Pilate at least allowed it to happen I agree. he should have had the power to order the Roman legions to keep the peace, but scripture plainly tells us these events HAD to occur. (no c/a bickering here!)

    I'm not sure I know how to put this. Pilate was in a position where the choice was a possible riot in which many might be killed before it was subdued or he could allow the death of one man. I see an interesting parallel here to the actual purpose of Christ's death. This begs the question: did Pilate commit murder or make a sacrifice. (the same sacrifice the President makes every time he sends a man into combat.)

    What was it Pilate's wife told him? "have nothing to do with this man for I have suffered terrible dreams on his account tonight?" You could very well be right.
     
    #5 menageriekeeper, Apr 27, 2012
  6. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    Murder without a question as he admitted Christ was innocent.
     
    #6 freeatlast, Apr 27, 2012
  7. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    Was it murder?

    Did not the Lord say that no man could take His life from Him? Did He not lay it down freely forgiving all for they did not know what they were doing?
     
    #7 agedman, Apr 27, 2012
  8. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    Either way, I wouldn't want to be in Pilate's shoes.
     
    #8 Arbo, Apr 27, 2012
  9. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    I can only assume you are arguing for the sake of arguing, correct?
     
    #9 freeatlast, Apr 28, 2012
  10. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Did not Pilate ask a similar question, "What is truth?" It is sort of ironic, he asked the question while looking into the eyes of the Person that is Truth. No, I would not want to be in Pilate's shoes. There are several in the Bible that are similar, Judas, Pharoah, etc. Had my life been ordained by the Lord to be used in a negative manner to accomplish His will, then I guess that would have been my destiny.

    If one asks, were Pilate, Judas, and Pharoah were treated fairly by the Lord, I would ask you, what is fair?

    What is fair is what the Lord says it is.
     
    #10 saturneptune, Apr 28, 2012
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