Joh 18:30 | MHM | STEP | v. 30 : The Jewish leaders replied that if Jesus were not a criminal, they would not have handed him over. Their answer was evasive and showed their frustration that Pilate did not simply take their word for it and condemn Jesus without a formal charge. They wanted Pilate to rubber-stamp their decision rather than conduct a real trial.

‏ John 18:30

v. 30: The Jewish leaders replied that if Jesus were not a criminal, they would not have handed him over. Their answer was evasive and showed their frustration that Pilate did not simply take their word for it and condemn Jesus without a formal charge. They wanted Pilate to rubber-stamp their decision rather than conduct a real trial.