John 18:29–30

Followeth to v. 33. the second branch of this part of the chapter, containing some debates betwixt Pilate and the Jewes, about the entring of Christs processe. It may be taken up in a twofold proposition of Pilate, and their answer thereunto. In the first whereof (in these verses) Pilate will not stand on termes with them, but goeth out unto them, and desireth they would produce an accusation against Christ, upon which he might formally and legally proceed, v. 29. The Jewes in answering, suspecting that probation might succeed but ill, as it had before themselves, Mark 14.55. — 59. do interpose their own credit and reputation with Pilate, in stead of an accusation, indirectly taking it as an affront that he should require an accusation from them, or think that such men as they, would bring any before him to be condemned, but an evil-doer, v. 30. From v. 29. Learn, 1. It is the duty of Rulers, not only to do justice, but to be ready to do it timously, and with as great expedition as may be: for, this is commendable in Pilate, that though it was early, when they came, v. 28. yet he is ready to hear them. See Exod. 18.13. 2. It is also commendable in men of power and eminency, not to stand on termes with their inferiours, nor carp at their scruples and weaknesses; but to passe over all these, and do them justice; for, this is also commendable in him, that when they scruple to enter into the judgement-hall, v. 28. he stands not on that, but went out to them, far contrary to the practice of many great ones, who, if their inferiours crosse any of their humours, will be sure to give them a meeting when they come in their hands. See Job 31.13, 14. 3. It is agreeable to justice, that no man be condemned without an accusation produced and proven against him, and that men in power do not gratifie a man to death (as the words wil read, Acts 25.16.) nor make use of their Authority to pleasure friends, or satisfie their own lusts, seeing judgement is not theirs, but the Lords; Therefore, Pilate, an heathen, is clear to follow this order, What accusation bring you against this man? From v. 30. Learn, 1. Albeit the Jewes could lay nothing to Christs charge before Pilate; but either that he was against Caesar, which was a lie, or that he called himself the Son of God, which was indeed a truth; yet here he is presented as a malefactour, or a notorious and noxious evil-doer. Whereby he would, partly, teach, what we indeed were in whose room he stood: even such notorious delinquents, unworthy to live on the earth: And partly, he would sanctifie unto his people their lying under unjust imputations & calumnies, which he essayed, being traduced as an enemie to Caesar; and would sanctifie unto them their living in times, wherein clearest truthes are persecuted under odious names; as his calling himself the Son of God was accounted blasphemy. 2. Men may be very lavish in blasting the reputation of others, who yet would be loath to be so dealt with by others; but ordinarily, they who make an idol of their own credit, do regard least the credit of others; for, they stand not to traduce Christ as a malefactour, who yet take it ill that Pilate should seem to rub on them by calling for an accusation. 3. It is an old trick of corrupt Churchmen and persecutors, to abuse civil powers, and to make use of any respect they have from them, to give them bad impressions of the godly, and set them on edge against them; as here these corrupt rulers do make use of any respect Pilate had to them, to condemn Christ on their word; If he were not a malefactour, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. 4. Men ought to take heed how they employ any credit God hath given them with men, as being a talent for the use whereof they will be called to an account; And it is an evidence that mens credit, authority, or parts, are plagued to them, when they hang at their wrong side, and they labour to turn men against Christ and his truth, because such as they are against him; as here, notice is taken that they employed their credit in this wicked way. See John 7.48, 49.