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This is an allusion; Pontius Pilate was the ruler in Bethlehem who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the order of the Jewish leadership, even though he knew Christ was innocent and did not deserve to be killed in such a way. This allusion serves two purposes: the first is that it implies that Hale knows these women are innocent but will stand by and do nothing because he is not in control of with happening; the second is that it compares Elizabeth's goodness to Christ's, so that we can understand the depth of John's love for her.

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Who washed their hands of Jesus?

Pontius Pilate symbolically washed his hands, making this point. He personally felt that Jesus had done nothing to warrent a death sentence and spoke out in His defense. But, as was destined to happen, Jesus had to die in order to complete the plan of redemption. This is where the old phrase 'wash my hands of you' came from. Pilate did not want to feel responsible for Jesus' death.


What roman official who tried Jesus and ordered his execution was?

It was not the Roman Emperor but Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, who ordered this. The emperor only participated in that it was his authority that was used, although the Jewish enemies of Jesus used 'loyalty to Caesar' as a point of clever political leverage on Pilate to make him hand Jesus over.


What is the point of discussion between hale and the proctor's about whether or not they believe in witches?

Listening to John Proctor and Mary Warren, Reverend Hale becomes convinced that they, not Abigail, are telling the truth.


At what point in The Crucible does Mary Warren ally herself with John Proctor?

At the end of Act III


Why was Jesus featured bu the roman rulers?

The Romans did did not fear Jesus. The story we are told is that Pontius Pilate, the prefect of the Roman Province of Judea, refused to arbitrate in a dispute of the Jewish priests against Jesus. Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate by the Sanhedrin, a council which had may have been at the time been a body of sages or a legislative and juridical institution. The Sanhedrin had arrested and questioned Jesus and considered his answers blasphemous to Mosaic Law. The Sanhedrin accused Jesus sedition against Rome by opposing the payment of taxes to the Romans and calling himself a king. Tax resistance was a capital offence. Pontius Pilates asked him if he was a king to check whether he was a political threat. Interpretations of what Jesus said very. However, his answer was not enough to see him as a threat. The priests made many accusations against Jesus who remained silent. Pilates was surprised found no fault in him and was reluctant to allow his crucifixion. Pilates presented Barabbas, a convict and told the crowd to the crowd to choose whether to release Barabbas or Jesus, following customs. He hoped that the crows would release Jesus. However, the crowd chose Barabbas and shouted "Crucify him2 in relation to Jesus. Pilate asked, "Why? What evil has he done?" The crowd continued shouting, "Crucify him!" It was said that at this point Pilates 'washed his hands' that is, he absolved himself of responsibility or future blame.


What were the sins of Pontius Pilate?

The sin of Pilate is that he did not prevent the Crucifixion of Jesus. Failing to prevent a wrong when it is in one's power to do so is the same as committing the wrong. In this particular case, what Pilate did was outside the law which he was bound to, and he simply caved to peer/political pressure and condemned an innocent. That would have been considered morally and ethically wrong in all courts. The New Testament, or more specifically: the writers of the new testament (e.g. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) paint Pilate in a somewhat favorable light. They all report Pilate as having said something along the lines of "I find no crime in this man" to the assembled crowd. Now, it should be noted that at this point in history the province of Judea was under the jurisdiction of the Roman Empire, but, as was commonplace, the province was allowed to retain much of its own authority regarding prosecution of crime and organizational affairs. As such, Jesus was more or less directly answerable to the Sanhedrin (Jewish court of law) when it came to issues regarding local law. Crucifixion, however, could only be administered by the Romans themselves, and that is why the crowds brought him before Pilate. Pilate asks Jesus before the trial, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus responds, "You have said so." (Matthew 27:11) Pilate was not Jewish, but his verbal exchanges with Jesus prior to and during the trial indicate a certain sympathy for Jesus himself. After pleading to the crowd to let Jesus go, Pilate openly washes his hands and says, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." (Matthew 27:24) As stated above, however, it is not ethically right to stand by while someone innocent is killed for bogus crimes. Being governor, Pilate's chief responsibility was to suppress any movements of rebellion, and because the Jewish people were so adamant in condemning Jesus that open revolt was becoming a seemingly real possibility, Pilate allowed him to be taken by the crowds to his death. The inscription on the cross calling Jesus The King of the Jews was actually put there by Pilate, much to the displeasure of the pharisees. Whether or not you see Pilate's deferral of responsibility as a legitimate defense does not change the fact that he had sufficient power to stop the crucifixion but chose not to in order to quell any potential movements of rebellion. Some institutions, however, have adopted Pilate as a Saint because of his extreme opposition to the crucifixion of Jesus, his acknowledgment of Jesus as The King of the Jews, and because he was witness to the death of Jesus and therefore a witness to the resurrection story. Some scholars, however, believe that Pilate was perhaps not as honorable as it would seem and claim that the writers of the Gospels only portrayed Pilate in such a way so as to gain favor with the Roman government which was still in control at that time.


What does Good Friday mean?

We remember the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. Good Friday has the most understated name for a Holy Day. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. (from the Nicene Creed in 325 C.E.) The MOST important thing that Jesus did for us was die for our sins to give us the gift of everlasting life. The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the MOST important point in all of human history.


Why is Good Friday called 'good' even though it recalls the crucifixion event which I do not find to be a 'good' thing?

Good Friday has the most understated name for a Holy Day. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. (from the Nicene Creed in 325 C.E.) The MOST important thing that Jesus did for us was die for our sins to give us the gift of everlasting life. The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the MOST important point in all of human history.


Did Pilate want Jesus to die?

Pilate really didn't under stand why the Jews wanted him to kill Jesus he didn't do nut tin wrong but the crowd was chanting for Pilate to crucify Jesus so he just did.


Why is proctor struck by hales declaration that some secret blasphemy has confused all of the confusion?

Proctor is struck by Hale's declaration because it underscores the pervasive nature of deceit and hidden sins within the community, suggesting that the witch trials are fueled not just by hysteria but by deeper moral failings. This revelation highlights Proctor's own struggle with guilt and integrity, as he grapples with his past transgressions. Hale's statement also signifies a turning point for Proctor, as it compels him to confront the truth and his role in the unfolding tragedy, ultimately leading him to seek redemption.


The crucible How is Rebecca a foil to Proctor at this point in the plot?

In "The Crucible," Rebecca Nurse serves as a foil to John Proctor by embodying moral integrity and unwavering virtue, contrasting his internal struggles and guilt over his past sins. While Proctor grapples with his conscience and the consequences of his actions, Rebecca remains steadfast in her beliefs, demonstrating a deep commitment to truth and the community. Her calm demeanor and selflessness highlight Proctor's tumultuous emotions and moral ambiguity, emphasizing the theme of personal redemption and the impact of individual choices in the face of hysteria.


What feature of the Earth makes a compass needle point north?

What features of the earth makes a compass needle point north