Pilate evidently addressed the Jews who had assembled outside his headquarters, or perhaps in its courtyard, from a balcony or overlook. He wanted to know their formal charge against Jesus. Pilate probably knew something of Jesus" arrest since Roman soldiers had participated in it ( John 18:3; John 18:12). Moreover Jesus was a popular figure in Galilee and Jerusalem. The high priest may well have communicated with Pilate about Him before Jesus appeared on Pilate"s doorstep. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
John 18:25-32 - Pilate's Weak Evasion
It may be that while Peter was thus denying his Lord, Jesus was passing from Annas to Caiaphas, and in doing so cast on the stumbling disciple that look of mingled sorrow and love which broke his heart. John does not dwell on the trial before Caiaphas, because the other evangelists have already described it; but passes on to tell more minutely of the vacillation and weakness of Pilate. The Roman governor first sought to rid himself of the responsibility of deciding the ease. He refused to consider that it came within his jurisdiction, because it seemed connected with some religious dispute involving a technical knowledge which he did not possess. He suggested, therefore, that the Jewish leaders should deal with it under their own statutes. There was no apparent need for Roman law to interfere. When, however, the murderous intent of the high priests emerged, it became evident that their charges against Jesus were of a much more serious character, and Pilate was compelled to give his earnest attention to them. How little he realized the momentous issues to be decided that day! [source]
Chapter Summary: John 18
1Judas betrays Jesus 6The officers fall to the ground 10Peter cuts off Malchus' ear 12Jesus is taken, and led unto Annas and Caiaphas 15Peter's denial 19Jesus examined before Caiaphas 25Peter's second and third denial 28Jesus arraigned before Pilate 36His kingdom 40The Jews prefer Barabbas
Greek Commentary for John 18:29
Went out [εχηλτεν εχω] Note both εχ ex and εχω exō (went out outside), since the Sanhedrin would not come into Pilate‘s palace. Apparently on a gallery over the pavement in front of the palace (John 19:13). Accusation Old word for formal charge, in N.T. only here, 1 Timothy 5:19; Titus 1:6. Against this man Objective genitive after κατηγοριαν katēgorian A proper legal inquiry. [source]
Pilate [] Note the abruptness with which he is introduced as one well known. Two derivations of the name are given. Pilatus, one armed with the pilum or javelin, like Torquatus, one adorned with a collar (torques ). Or, a contraction from Pileatus, wearing the pileus or cap, which was the badge of manumitted slaves. Hence some have supposed that he was a freedman. Tacitus refers to him as connected with Christ's death. “The author of that name (Christian), or sect, was Christ, who was capitally punished in the reign of Tiberius, by Pontius Pilate” (“Annals,” xv. 44). He was the sixth Roman procurator of Judea. [source]
What accusation [] Not implying Pilate's ignorance of the charge, but his demand for the formal accusation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 18:29
1 Timothy 5:19Receive not [μη παραδεχου] Present middle imperative with μη mē (prohibition) of παραδεχομαι paradechomai to receive, to entertain. Old verb. See Acts 22:18. Accusation (κατηγοριαν katēgorian). Old word (from κατηγορος katēgoros). In N.T. only here, Titus 1:6; John 18:29 in critical text. Except For this double construction see note on 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 15:2. At the mouth of (επι epi). Idiomatic use of επι epi (upon the basis of) as in 2 Corinthians 13:1. [source]
Greek Commentary for John 18:29
Note both εχ ex and εχω exō (went out outside), since the Sanhedrin would not come into Pilate‘s palace. Apparently on a gallery over the pavement in front of the palace (John 19:13). Accusation Old word for formal charge, in N.T. only here, 1 Timothy 5:19; Titus 1:6. Against this man Objective genitive after κατηγοριαν katēgorian A proper legal inquiry. [source]
Note the abruptness with which he is introduced as one well known. Two derivations of the name are given. Pilatus, one armed with the pilum or javelin, like Torquatus, one adorned with a collar (torques ). Or, a contraction from Pileatus, wearing the pileus or cap, which was the badge of manumitted slaves. Hence some have supposed that he was a freedman. Tacitus refers to him as connected with Christ's death. “The author of that name (Christian), or sect, was Christ, who was capitally punished in the reign of Tiberius, by Pontius Pilate” (“Annals,” xv. 44). He was the sixth Roman procurator of Judea. [source]
Not implying Pilate's ignorance of the charge, but his demand for the formal accusation. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 18:29
Present middle imperative with μη mē (prohibition) of παραδεχομαι paradechomai to receive, to entertain. Old verb. See Acts 22:18. Accusation (κατηγοριαν katēgorian). Old word (from κατηγορος katēgoros). In N.T. only here, Titus 1:6; John 18:29 in critical text. Except For this double construction see note on 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 15:2. At the mouth of (επι epi). Idiomatic use of επι epi (upon the basis of) as in 2 Corinthians 13:1. [source]
Old word (from κατηγορος katēgoros). In N.T. only here, Titus 1:6; John 18:29 in critical text. [source]
For the use of the verb see John 18:29; Acts 25:18; 2 Peter 2:11; 2 Peter 1:17, 2 Peter 1:18; 1 Peter 1:13. [source]