ACC ~ John 19 v12

THIS CHARGE AGREES WITH LUKE’S VERSION

AUGUSTINE: This [charge] may very well agree with what Luke records in connection with the said accusation brought by the Jews. For after the words “we found this fellow perverting our nation,” he has added the clause, “and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar and saying that he himself is Christ a king.” [1] This will also offer a solution for the difficulty previously referred to, namely, the occasion that might seem to be given for supposing John to have indicated that no specific charge was laid by the Jews against the Lord, when they answered and said to him, “If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto you.” HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 3.8.35. [2]

[1] Lk 23:2.

[2] NPNF 1 6:196**.

PILATE SHOULD HAVE INVESTIGATED

CHRYSOSTOM: Pilate ought therefore to have accurately inquired whether Jesus had aimed at sovereignty and set his hand to expel Caesar from the kingdom. But he makes no such exact inquiry, and therefore Christ answered him nothing, because he knew that he asked all the questions idly. Besides, since his works bore witness to him, he would not prevail by word or compose any defense, showing that he came voluntarily to this condition. … Pilate, thinking that he might now incur some danger if he were to overlook these words, comes forth as though to inquire into the matter (for the “sitting down” showed this), but without making any inquiry, he gave Jesus up to them, thinking to shame them. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 84.2. [1]

AN ENEMY OF THE ALMIGHTY INSTEAD OF CAESAR

ROMANUS MELODUS:

“Crucify!”, the murderer heard the impious cry out,

And he fulfilled their will,

Handing over, without being compelled to, the One whom he wished to be crucified.

For having heard that he would be the enemy of Caesar, the coward was frightened;

He wished to be the enemy of the Almighty

Rather than the enemy of Caesar, preferring his life to Life.

He will certainly not be blameless, since in answer to the lawless, he killed the Living One.

KONTAKION ON THE PASSION OF CHRIST 20.16. [2]

[1] NPNF 1 14:314-15**.

[2] KRBM 1:213.