ACC ~ John 19 v8

PILATE MORE WORRIED THAN THE JEWISH LEADERS

CHRYSOSTOM: Then Pilate is alarmed when he hears from them that he made himself the Son of God, worrying that he might be administering justice improperly if the assertion might possibly be true. But these men who had learned this, both by his deeds and words, did not shudder. Instead, they are putting him to death for the very reasons for which they ought to have worshiped him. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 84.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:314**.

PILATE MAY HAVE BELIEVED CHRIST WAS DIVINE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The malicious design of the Jews had a result they little expected. They wanted to build up an indictment against Christ by saying that he had ventured to sin against the person of God himself. But the weighty character of the accusation itself increased Pilate’s caution, and he was more alarmed and more careful concerning Christ than before. He became more particular in his questions: what Jesus was and where he came from. I think he believed that, though Jesus was a man, he might also be the Son of God. This idea and belief of his was not derived from holy Scripture but the mistaken notions of the Greeks. Greek fables call many men demi-gods and sons of gods. The Romans, too, who in such matters were still more superstitious, gave the name of god to the more distinguished of their own monarchs, and set up altars to them, and allotted them shrines and put them on pedestals. Therefore Pilate was more earnest and anxious than before in his inquiry of who Christ was and where he came from. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12. [1]

[1] LF 48:614**.