Which authorities found Jesus innocent?

Which authorities found Jesus innocent?

• A. Pontius Pilate alone
• B. Herod alone
• C. Both Pilate and Herod
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how the Gospel accounts portray Jesus’ innocence before civil authorities. In the gospel narratives, both Pilate and Herod are described as finding Jesus not guilty of the charges against him. Pilate repeatedly says there is no basis for a death sentence and even attempts to release Jesus, showing he does not find Jesus morally or legally guilty of the crimes alleged. When Jesus stands before Herod, Herod also finds no crime deserving death and sends Jesus back to Pilate. This shows that, in their judgments, Jesus is innocent of the offenses for which he’s accused. The twist is that Pilate then yields to crowd pressure and sentences Jesus to be crucified, despite recognizing his innocence. So, both authorities are depicted as finding Jesus innocent.

The idea being tested is how the Gospel accounts portray Jesus’ innocence before civil authorities. In the gospel narratives, both Pilate and Herod are described as finding Jesus not guilty of the charges against him. Pilate repeatedly says there is no basis for a death sentence and even attempts to release Jesus, showing he does not find Jesus morally or legally guilty of the crimes alleged. When Jesus stands before Herod, Herod also finds no crime deserving death and sends Jesus back to Pilate. This shows that, in their judgments, Jesus is innocent of the offenses for which he’s accused. The twist is that Pilate then yields to crowd pressure and sentences Jesus to be crucified, despite recognizing his innocence. So, both authorities are depicted as finding Jesus innocent.