When Pilate appealed to our Lord, that he was possessed of power, either to crucify or release him, the justice of the claim is admitted; but then,

II.  He is reminded by the divine prisoner, that he possessed only delegated power, intimating that he was accountable for the use he should make of it. Thou couldest have no power against me, except it were given thee from above.

Pilate probably prided himself on his exaltation.  He was set in authority.  In his province, his power resembled that formerly in the hands of the Babalonish tyrant:  “Whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive.”  It might flatter his pride to end himself the judge of Judah; others as being of divine origin—­the Son of God—­the expected Messias, who was to deliver Israel. and raise them to power.  Perhaps he valued himself on power to do either right or wrong—­that he was necessitated to neither. Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?

Though Christ had given him no answer when Pilate demanded his origin, he now reminds him, boasting of his power, that it was all derived, or delegated; particularly that which he possessed over his prisoner, whom he had acknowledged to be faultless:  Thou couldest have no power against me except it were given thee from above.  As though he had said, “Remember Pilate, that with all your high feelings, and parade of power, you have no power which is properly your own; none which is not derived from above; none for the use of which you are not accountable.  There is one who ruleth in the kingdoms of men, and giveth them to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over them the basest of men,” To answer his mysterious purposes you are now in authority; but forget not whence it is derived, and the consequences of abusing it.  “There may be oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, but marvel not at the matter; for he who is higher than the highest regardeth”—­he will set all right in the end.  For the use which you make of your powers, you must give account to him.

Such seems to have been the import of Christ’s reply to this haughty ruler, boasting of powers, on this occasion.  What sentiments it raised in the breast of this Roman, we are not informed; but the reply was full of salutary counsel and instruction.  Had Pilate regarded it as he ought, it would have prevented him from having been a principal actor in the vilest enormity ever committed on this globe.

Pilate seems to have felt in degree, the weight of Christ’s reply, and to have been the more concerned.  For it follows:  “From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him.”  He had sought it before.  “From henceforth,” he was yet more desirous to set Christ at liberty, and exerted himself more earnestly to persuade the Jews to consent to his discharge.

But this was not all which Christ said on the occasion; he added,