ACC ~ John 19 v16

PILATE IS NOT WITHOUT GUILT

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: We cannot acquit Pilate of his complicity in the iniquity of those who committed this impious crime against Christ. Pilate shared their responsibility inasmuch as when he might have delivered and rescued him from the madness of his murderers, he did not merely refrain from releasing him but even gave him up to them to be crucified. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12. [1]

[1] LF 48:622-23**.

JEWISH LEADERS ARE NOT WITHOUT GUILT

AUGUSTINE: It was not said “then he delivered him to them” so that they might crucify him but “so that he might be crucified,” that is, that Jesus might be crucified by the judicial sentence and power of the governor. But the Evangelist has said that Jesus was delivered to them so that he might show that they [i.e., the Jewish leaders] were implicated in the crime from which they tried to hold themselves aloof. For Pilate would have done no such thing except to implement what he perceived was their determined desire. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 116.9. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:427**.