The Christ Commission Ch 10

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the fortress called Antonia?

It functioned as a religious temple.

It served as a military training ground.

It acted as a strategic military stronghold. (correct)

It was primarily a royal residence for Herod.

What significant event occurred during the later years of Herod's reign?

The Romans withdrew their legionnaires from Jerusalem.

He built the Temple to replace Antonia.

The golden eagle on the Temple roof was destroyed. (correct)

Herod established a peace treaty with local scholars.

How did Joseph describe the Syrian auxiliaries stationed at the gates?

As dangerous warriors.

As skilled horsemen.

As ineffective defenders. (correct)

As highly trained archers.

What architectural feature of Antonia was specifically designed to thwart invasions?

The smoothness of the walls' outer surface. Signup and view all the answers

What was noted about the layout of the fortress Antonia?

It surrounds spacious parade grounds paved with stone. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's demeanor when he was first introduced in the scene?

Relaxed and polite Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph provide Matthias to assist in his quest?

Access to influential people Signup and view all the answers

How did Pilate respond to Matthias's desire to include the story of Jesus in his history?

He expressed skepticism regarding its significance Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Pilate's character was contradicted by Matthias's prior research?

His temperament Signup and view all the answers

What did Pilate question during his discussion with Matthias?

The definition of truth Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's initial attitude towards Jesus and his activities?

He considered Jesus a dangerous agitator and a threat to Roman authority. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pilate decide not to arrest Jesus during his entry into Jerusalem?

He believed that the Jewish authorities would handle the situation themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Jesus take in the Temple that caught Pilate's attention?

He overturned the tables of the money-changers and disrupted the market. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's concern regarding the potential arrest of Jesus?

That it would lead to uprisings and riots among the people. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pilate imply about Caiaphas during his conversation?

Caiaphas' authority could be easily replaced without consequence. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's initial reaction to Caiaphas' request for soldiers to arrest Jesus?

He refused at first and stated it was Caiaphas' responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pilate supply Caiaphas with a large number of troops for the arrest of Jesus?

He believed Jesus was a legitimate threat due to his popularity. Signup and view all the answers

What did Caiaphas believe was a reason for his guards' hesitation in arresting Jesus?

They thought Jesus could perform a miracle to harm them. Signup and view all the answers

What reason did Pilate give for eventually becoming involved in Jesus' trial?

He felt betrayed by Caiaphas and wanted to assert control. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Sanhedrin refuse to enter Pilate's hall with their prisoner?

They feared being defiled and unable to participate in the Passover. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's initial impression of the prisoner?

He looked exhausted and in a pitiful state. Signup and view all the answers

What accusation did Caiaphas make against Jesus that was outside their own laws?

Forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pilate feel compelled to sit in judgment of Jesus?

Caiaphas had forced him to with public accusations. Signup and view all the answers

What question did Pilate ask Jesus when they were alone?

Are you the king of the Jews? Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus respond to Pilate's question about him being the king?

He avoided answering directly. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Pilate come to about Jesus' danger level to Rome?

Jesus was harmless compared to other criminals he had seen. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately prevented Pilate from releasing Jesus after declaring him innocent?

The crowd demanded his execution. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's reaction to the accusations of blasphemy against Jesus?

He found no fault in Jesus and had not sanctioned the verdict of death. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus convey to Pilate regarding the source of his power?

His power came from above, not from Pilate. Signup and view all the answers

What did Caiaphas claim was the reason for Jesus' execution under Jewish law?

He asserted that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Signup and view all the answers

How did the crowd respond when Pilate sought to release Jesus?

They chanted for Barabbas to be released instead. Signup and view all the answers

What final act did Pilate perform before accepting the crowd's decision?

He washed his hands to symbolize his innocence. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pilate allow Herod to judge Jesus after hearing the accusations against him?

Jesus was from Galilee, which was under Herod's jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Day of Indulgence in relation to Pilate's duties?

It was a day when a condemned prisoner could be released as a gesture of goodwill. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's reasoning for scourging Jesus despite declaring him innocent?

To serve as a warning to Jesus to refrain from speaking. Signup and view all the answers

How did Caiaphas influence the crowd's reaction to Pilate's decisions?

He stirred them to demand Barabbas' release instead. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate's description of his soldiers and the 'Circle of Death' imply about Roman military practices?

There were competitions among soldiers for valor. Signup and view all the answers

What method was used to mock Jesus after his return from Herod?

He was forced to wear a silk cape and given a scepter. Signup and view all the answers

What was the crowd's likely perception of Barabbas compared to Jesus?

Barabbas represented rebellion against Rome, making him a hero. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jesus respond to the accusations and ridicule at Herod's palace?

He remained silent despite the treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state did Pilate exhibit when the crowd demanded Barabbas' release?

He felt regret for his inability to control the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate's use of the term 'motley ruffians' suggest about the crowd?

They were composed of diverse and unruly individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Encounter with Pilate

Matthias and Joseph arrive at the Roman military headquarters guarded by Syrian auxiliary soldiers.
The fortress Antonia is described as a formidable structure with a dominant presence over the Temple.
Pilate is presented as a relaxed and polite individual, despite his reputation for being harsh.
His status as a "friend of Caesar's" is highlighted with a golden ring on his finger.

Pilate’s Perspective on Jesus

Pilate dismisses Jesus as a "rabble-rouser" and a "dead troublemaker".
He expresses his belief that Jesus would merit no more than a sentence or two in Matthias's history of the Jews.
He claims to have been informed about Jesus's activities and miracles from the start and expected Herod Antipas to deal with him.
Pilate describes Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, the Temple incident, and his decision to let the Jewish authorities handle the matter.

Pilate’s Decision to Intervene

Pilate recounts Caiaphas's request for soldiers to arrest Jesus and the reasons for his agreement.
He emphasizes his reluctance to get directly involved due to past issues with the Jewish authorities.
Pilate divulges that he sent a larger contingent of soldiers than requested, motivated by his perception of Jesus’ perceived power.
He reveals the Sanhedrin's verdict of blasphemy against Jesus and their request for his approval to execute him.

Pilate’s Version of the Trial

Pilate describes the Sanhedrin's arrival with Jesus at the Hall of Judgment and the presence of Roman tribunes who observed the proceedings.
He accuses Caiaphas of making him look foolish before the tribunes by setting up the trial scenario.
He focuses on the spot on the pavement outside the hall where Jesus stood, a place known as Gabbatha or Lithostroton.

Pilate’s Justification for Crucifixion

Pilate claims that Caiaphas betrayed him by forcing him to take action against Jesus.
He justifies his intervention by emphasizing his obligation to maintain order and security in the province.
He portrays Jesus as a dangerous man who threatened Roman authority and deserved his fate.

Pilate's Account of Jesus's Trial

Pilate describes his initial encounter with Jesus, noting his appearance and demeanour.
Pilate initially expects Caiaphas to accuse Jesus of blasphemy and seek his execution, a move that would shift responsibility from the Sanhedrin to Pilate.
Instead, Caiaphas claims Jesus is criminal and implies that Pilate should try him, putting Pilate in a difficult position.
Pilate learns that Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin had already tried Jesus for blasphemy and found him guilty under their laws.
Pilate, faced with accusations against Rome, is forced to sit in judgment of Jesus, as the visiting tribunes could negatively influence his career.
Pilate attempts to release Jesus, but the crowd, manipulated by Caiaphas, demands his crucifixion.
Pilate explains his reason for scourging Jesus, claiming it was a warning.
The crowd's preference for Barabbas, a rebel against Rome, highlights the contrasting views of Jesus and Barabbas.
Pilate initially considers using force to quell the crowd.
Pilate describes the scourging of Jesus, emphasizing the brutality and suffering inflicted upon him.
Pilate attempts to appeal to the crowd's compassion by displaying the tortured Jesus, but they remain insistent on his crucifixion.
Jesus displays remarkable resilience and dignity throughout the ordeal, remaining silent in the face of suffering.
Pilate reiterates Jesus's innocence and tries to shift responsibility for the crucifixion to the crowd.
Pilate's attempt to release Jesus is thwarted when Caiaphas threatens Pilate's loyalty to Caesar, prompting the crowd to cry for crucifixion.
Pilate washes his hands symbolically to declare his innocence, but ultimately orders Jesus's crucifixion.
Pilate explains his reasoning for the inscription on the cross, and highlights Caiaphas's opposition to it.
Pilate believes he had another reason for wanting to release Jesus: his wife's dream, which compels him to try to save Jesus.
Pilate admits that his wife was awake when Caiaphas visited him late at night, and she might have been aware of his plans to free Jesus.

Pontius Pilate

Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea during Jesus's trial and crucifixion.
He was described as ruthless and callous, often using force against the people he ruled.
He was hesitant to condemn Jesus but ultimately gave into pressure from the Jewish leaders.
He believed that Claudia Procula’s dream about Jesus was a sign from the gods and influenced his decision to question Jesus about his origin.
He was concerned that the empty tomb would be used to spread the idea that Jesus had risen from the dead.
He regretted allowing Joseph of Arimathea to bury the body of Jesus because he felt it contributed to the spreading rumors of a resurrection.
He did not believe Jesus had actually risen from the dead and thought the body had been stolen.

Claudia Procula

Pilate’s wife.
She had a dream about Jesus that made her fearful for him.
She believed that dreams were a way for the gods to communicate with people.
She left Pilate after Jesus’s crucifixion and was convinced that he had risen from the dead.

Cornelius

Pilate's loyal officer, closest friend, and advisor.
He had been with Pilate while serving under Germanicus and helped Pilate in checking the death of Jesus.
He was not stationed in Jerusalem but traveled for Passover.
He had personally met Jesus and prayed for the healing of his servant Linus.
He was present at the crucifixion and confirmed the death of Jesus by using a spear to pierce his side.

Joseph of Arimathea

A respected member of the Sanhedrin who was also a secret follower of Jesus.
He requested the body of Jesus for proper burial after the crucifixion.
He was surprised to hear Jesus had died so quickly.
He buried Jesus in his own tomb, helping contribute to the idea of his resurrection.

The Text

The text is a fictionalized account of the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus told through the perspective of a historian interviewing Pontius Pilate.
Pilate admits to the historian that he believed Jesus’s body was removed from the tomb but does not know who did it.
The historian concludes that Pilate is struggling with the consequences of his actions and the spreading Christianity that has caused unrest in Judea.

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Description

Explore the complex interactions between Pilate and Jesus in this quiz. Understand Pilate's views on Jesus and his role in the events leading up to the trial. Delve into the historical context and the significance of their first encounter.