Pontius Pilate

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Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate , Roman prefect of Judaea (AD 26-36?). He was supposedly a ruthless governor, and he was removed at the complaint of Samaritans, among whom he engineered a massacre. His attempt to evade responsibility in the trial of Jesus was caused by his fear of the high priests' power and his difficult responsibility for the peace of Palestine. According to tradition he committed suicide at Rome. He is attested in the works of Josephus and Eusebius. The Acts of Pilate, one of the Pseudepigrapha (part of the Gospel of Nicodemus) tell of him as a Christian. In the Coptic and Ethiopic churches, Pilate has been canonized. Legend connects him with Mt. Pilatus .

Bibliography: See study by A. Wroe (2000).

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Pontius Pilate

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Pontius Pilate (active 1st century ad) Roman prefect. In c.ad 26, Emperor Tiberius appointed him procurator (governor) of Judaea. An arrogant and cruel ruler, Pilate is noted for his order to crucify Jesus Christ. In c.ad 36, he was recalled to Rome after sanctioning the massacre of Samaritans.

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	Pontius Pilate.(Review) Magazine article from: The Christian Century; 11/22/2000
	PONTIUS PILATE IN HISTORY AND INTERPRETATION.(Review) Magazine article from: National Catholic Reporter; 4/2/1999
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