Was Jesus a Convicted Criminal?
The Verdict
According to historical records and scriptures, Jesus was sentenced to death by the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate in the 1st century AD. Was Jesus a convicted criminal, then? In this article, we will explore the facts and evidence to reach a verdict.
Who was Jesus?
Jesus of Nazareth, born around 4 BC, was a Jewish prophet and spiritual teacher who lived in ancient Galilee and Jerusalem. His teachings and ministry spanned approximately three to four years, from about 26 AD to his crucifixion around 30-33 AD.
Crimes Imputed to Jesus
In 26-30 AD, Jesus of Nazareth went from Galilee to Judea to proclaim his divine mission to the people, perform miracles, and speak about his relationship with God. In doing so, he:
• Claimed to be the Messiah or Son of God
• Challenged the Roman and Jewish authorities’ social and economic systems
• Forgave sins, breaking Jewish customs and Roman law
• Encouraged tax revolts, criticizing Rome’s imperial tax policies
These acts outraged the established powers and were perceived as threats to public order.
Conviction and Execution
Pilate, the Roman Prefect, convened a tribunal to inquire into the alleged crimes against Jesus. Under Jewish custom, a witness could give testimony and demand capital punishment. Anacletus, also known as Ananias (son of Nedebaeus), testified that Jesus had violated the Mosaic Law.
Trial Transcript:
In those times, Caiaphas, the high priest of the Jews, sent Jesus to Pilate, accompanied by soldiers.
Caiaphas, after examining Jesus, testified against him.
Pilate, under oath, repeatedly asked Jesus about his authority and accused Jesus of
Sedition
Perjury (lying in court)
Crime against Caesar, i.e., "For I shall give no longer give answers to thee for thou taketh the holy against Caesar." [Mark 15:3-14] • Death sentence, sentenced Jesus to death by cruxifixion
Death Sentence Justification
As a Roman magistrate, Pilate followed procedures for convicted criminals, ordering Jesus to be:
• Flagellated with cat-of-nine-tails threescore plus two times, or around 39-40 times.
• Brought to Calvary outside Jerusalem to crucify on a wooden cross.
• Left on the cross for threescore hours (approx. 6-7 hours).
• Then crucified a bandit to share a cross (insignificance) before another thief’s cross, demonstrating his moral equivalence with both criminals [Mark 15:27].
• Supposedly after fourth hour of day (midday, noon) since Jesus reportedly announced, "Consummatum est", ("It is finished").[John 19:30]
Crucial Questions and Facts
Several points stand out:
- The gospels only record a Jewish and a Roman trial for Jesus; no third.
- No specific accusation was lodged against Jesus beyond general imputations, making convictions dubious.
- Both Pilate and Caiaphas are quoted in Jewish and Christian writings as agreeing that Jesus didn’t perform any significant sins, highlighting the fait accompli aspect (i.e., conviction occurred).
- Jewish legal scholars contend that diakoneo in John 18:3 means Pilate sent only one thousand men (anachronistic for heged (brigade)). Historians suggest: Pilate deployed only approximately 20 soldiers, undermining the likelihood of a comprehensive investigation.
- Did Jesus himself plead guilty and refuse to reply? Does this contradict other accounts about Jesus being unyielding?
Judicial Improprieties
Many Christian scholars believe:
• Pilate coerced his wife’s input (not explicitly in historical records), influencing the sentence.
• Pontius Pilate’s trial violation of the Jewish procedures by sending Jesus for another trial
• Overlooked evidence suggests multiple convictions within a limited framework (Rothstein).
