A priest at Saint Peter's Church in Boston shows visitors a sculpture. It depicts Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate.
Why didn't Pilate release Jesus? According to every gospel, Pilate believed Jesus innocent.
Some historians theorize that a crisis in Rome influenced Pilate's decision. One year earlier, the Emperor Tiberius had ordered the murder of Sejanus, the empire's second in power. Consumed by paranoia, Tiberius initiated a purge of people who'd backed Sejanus.
Pontius Pilate had been appointed by Sejanus to govern Judea. Pilate, as a protege of Sejanus, might have believed himself under suspicion by the emperor.
Given those circumstances, Pilate must have shaken in his sandals when the mob shouted, "If you let this man (Jesus) go, you are no friend of Ceaser."
Why do some people stand up for principle while others pursue expediency?
Principle requires conviction and willingness to assume risks. Many individuals possess one of those attributes. Fewer possess both.
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