John 18:33-38 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said to him, Are you the King of the Jews?… I. CHRIST'S REPLY TO PILATE'S ADDRESS (vers. 33-34): given to warn Pilate not to be prejudiced against Him on account of reckless charges. "Sayest thou this," &c., appeals — 1. To the infidel — (1) When he objects to the Divinity of the Bible. Does he cavil against its difficulties on hearsay, or because he has honestly investigated the subject for himself. Think for thyself. (2) When he objects to the doctrines of the Bible. Does he dilate on the absurdity of the Incarnation, the Atonement, the Resurrection after independent examination? 2. To preachers. When you hear men talk nonsense, and advocate, reprobation, &c., ask them this question. II. PILATE'S TREATMENT OF CHRIST'S REPLY. There is here — 1. A haughty scorn that is always contemptible. "Am I a Jew?" Do you suppose I belong to that despised race? There is a noble scorn for all that is mean and false; but to scorn birth is despicable. Albeit it is common, although men like Garfield have a moral splendour beside which that of aristocracy pales. Oh, Pilate with all thy disdain there were greater ones in Palestine than in Rome — Moses, David, Solomon, Paul! 2. A judicial procedure that is commendable. "Thine own nation," &c. With their miserable prejudices I do not concern myself; let me hear the truth from Thine own lips. Common sense and justice tell us that in all cases the prisoner ought to be thus treated. But to the disgrace of our law courts the mouth of the accused is closed. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? |
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