What charges did Pilate believe that Christ was guilty of?

Answer 1

No, never. Scripture tells us that the Jewish religious leaders accused Jesus of having ambitions to replace Caesar as king of the Jews - a big wrong for the Romans (see John 19:12 for the exact wording of the charge). So Pilate questioned Jesus asking, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' When Jesus refused to defend Himself and answer the question, Pilate consented to the charge brought to him by the leaders of the Jews. This charge would be placed above His head when He was nailed to the Cross.

The handwritten decree that Pilate nailed above Christ's head stated publicly the official charge for which Jesus was crucified. It falsely implied that Jesus was guilty of committing treason against Caesar. He was therefore, officially executed as a 'transgressor.'

By accepting the death penalty for the false charge, Jesus became the substitute sin bearer for the legitimate charges that God the Father has against all mankind. Jesus 'wiped out' the charges that require our death for our transgressions by taking those charges (handwritting of requirements) on Himself. In so doing, He made possible the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 2:13-14).

Answer 2

Pilate believed that Jesus was guilty of no charges whatsoever. Pilate said he found no fault in Jesus (Luke 23:14, John 19:6). He said Jesus had done nothing worthy of death (Luke 23:15). He tried repeatedly to release Him (Luke 23:20,22, John 18:31, John 19:4). In the end, after he had been forced into granting the religious leaders the execution they demanded, Pilate wrote the title which was put on Jesus' cross, the 'crime' for which He was being punished: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," a charge which was correct and accurate (See Matthew 1:6-17, Luke 3:23-31) . Pilate believed he was assenting to the execution of a "just person" (Matthew 27:24). Essentially, Jesus was executed for being Himself.

Answer 3

no