Mat 27:1-2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 27:1-2: 27:1-2 The Jewish leaders were ready to level charges against Jesus before Pilate so that he would order Jesus’ execution. Pilate, a Gentile, fulfills Jesus’ prediction (20:19 ). 27:1 The charge of blasphemy (26:65-66 ), though sufficient for the death penalty among Jews, would not convince a Roman judge. Hence, the leading priests and the elders conspired together to prepare a more political charge consistent with capital offenses in Roman law (see 27:11-26 ; Luke 23:2 ).

a27:1-2►

d26:65-66►

e27:11-26►

fLuke 23:2►

‏ Matthew 27:1-2

Summary for Matt 27:1-2: 27:1-2 ^a The Jewish leaders were ready to level charges against Jesus before Pilate so that he would order Jesus’ execution. Pilate, a Gentile, fulfills Jesus’ prediction (20:19 ^b). 27:1 ^c The charge of blasphemy (26:65-66 ^d), though sufficient for the death penalty among Jews, would not convince a Roman judge. Hence, the leading priests and the elders conspired together to prepare a more political charge consistent with capital offenses in Roman law (see 27:11-26 ^e; Luke 23:2 ^f).
27:2 ^g Tiberius Caesar appointed Pilate to be the governor (or prefect) of Judea. Pilate ruled primarily from Caesarea, not Jerusalem, from AD 26 to AD 36. Though he had sovereign power in Judea, Pilate was ultimately responsible to the legate of Syria, the central authority in the eastern portion of the Roman Empire. Josephus records several instances where Pilate’s disregard for the sanctity of Jewish customs led to revolt.