Who was Pontius Pilate?

Answer 1

Pontius Pilate was a Roman citizen, a prelate appointed by the emperor to oversee the province of Judea. He was responsible for releasing Jesus to be crucified. Between the Pilate of the New Testament and the Pilate of history there is nothing in common. The Pilate of the New Testament is subservient to the Jews, acceding to their every wish, even to murdering an innocent prisoner. The Pilate of history is noted for his hatred of the Jews and his cruelties to them. It was these which provoked his recall. Some have noted quite a remarkable difference between what we know of the regular character of Pilate due to a number of merciless actions during his governorship and his being portrayed as weak and vacilating by the gospel writers.

Since the gospels have been found to be accurate in numerous other instances they could be 'given the benefit of the doubt' here even if there were no additional evidence. However it has been discovered that a certain Sejanus who was like a patron or protector of Pilate, was removed from his position in AD31 as he was found to have been plotting against the emperor of the day. This turn of events would have made the political position of Pilate very weak in AD33, the likely time when Jesus was tried. It would have made the leverage used by the Jews when they said 'if you release this man you are not a friend of Caeser,' particularly strong, as Pilate would have been wanting to demonstrate loyalty lest he be implicated with his friend Sejanus. Pilate of course knew that the Jews hated the Romans, but that they had it 'over him' should they report disloyal conduct on his part. His vacilation was no doubt due to being caught between a rock and a hard place. He certainly seemed to believe in Jesus' innocence but reluctantly gave the Jews this favor to save his own neck, at least for a time.

ANSWER

A ruler from the Roman Empire during time of Jesus who held massive amounts of wealth due to the over taxation of the poor.

ANSWER

I personally believe that the Gospels portray Pilate not as "weak and and vacilating" but as cruel, heartless, arrogant, politically-insensitive, and without the slyness and cunning of the various Herods. All this made it easy for the Pharisees, Sadduccees, and Herodians to politically ambush him.

Answer 2

He was the Roman Govern of Palestine, and the one who passed sentence on the convicted Christ

Answer 3

Pontus Pilate was the Roman appointed Procurator or Governor of Judea from A.D. 26-36. He was appointed to that position by Tiberius the Roman Emperor.