John 18:38

In the last branch of this part of the chapter is recorded Pilates carriage and dealing with Christs accusers, after his examination of him, and that in two particulars: The first whereof is, that Pilate abruptly breaking off the Conference with Christ, disdainfully enquiring what truth is, he goeth forth to the Jews, and absolveth Christ, declaring that he judged him innocent. Whence learn, 1. Christ and his followers may seem oft-times great fooles in their sufferings, as suffering for things of no moment in the esteem of men, who (as the Lord oft-times draweth the controversie for which the godly suffer, to a very small haire and point of truth; so they account it great folly for men to suffer for any divine truth; for, so much doth Pilates question, What is truth? import. He propounds it, not so much for satisfaction, seeing he went out not waiting for an answer, as testifying that he looked on truth, and particularly, that which Christ now avowed, as a very trivial thing for him to hazard so much upon. 2. Mens own wit and knowledge is so great an idol to them, that they can hardly endure to be reputed ignorant, or to esteem of any truth as excellent, wherewith they are not acquainted; for, this also occasioned Pilates disdainful question, to which he will not stay for an answer. He could not endure to heare that truth commended, the knowledge whereof (as he might gather from Christs last words) was wanting in him, and the Romanes, who were reputed so wise a people. 3. Christ was cleared, even by his enemies and persecutors, to be innocent in his own person, that beleevers may be confirmed in the faith of his suffering for them, and his standing in their room, and of his fitnesse for that work, being a spotlesse sacrifice; Therefore, it is recorded, that he went out again to the Jewes, (who would not enter to him, v. 29.) and saith unto them, I finde in him no fault at all. 4. Mens passions, and particular prejudices and resentments against persons, ought not to blind their judgements, nor byasse them in cognoscing upon causes; for, this is commendable in Pilate, that though he had been somewhat commoved, v. 35. and not much taken with what Christ said of truth, yet when he cometh out, he saith, I finde in him no fault at all. 5. The Lord can make use, not only of mens natural conscience, but, even of their Atheistical disposition and contempt of truth and Religion, to bring about the good of sufferers, when he pleaseth, in the vindication of their innocency; Whereby he teacheth them to eye him much, who can make what use he pleaseth of every thing; for, it was Pilates contempt of what Christ preached of his Kingdome and truth, in the beginning of the verse which concurreth with his natural conscience, to make him think nothing of the accusation, and absolve him. So also was Paul released, Acts 18.12.16.