MATTHEW 27:24 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying: I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves. Pilate's handwashing: the public washing of hands as a declaration of innocence is a gesture with roots in Deuteronomy 21:6–7 (the elders who wash their hands over the heifer to declare innocence of a murder). The I am innocent of this man's blood echoes Judas' I have sinned by betraying innocent blood. Two declarations of Jesus' innocence from those who condemned him.
Church Fathers on Matthew 27:24
Because Christ had answered nothing to the accusations of the Jews, by which Pilate could acquit Him of what was alleged against Him, he contrives other means of saving Him.
Thus do the Gentiles shew favours to those whom they subject to themselves, until their yoke is riveted. Yet did this practice obtain also among the Jews, Saul did not put Jonathan to death, because all the people sought his life. [marg. note: 1 Sam 14]
In the Gospel entitled 'according to the Hebrews,' Barabbas is interpreted, 'The son of their master,' who had been condemned for sedition and murder. Pilate gives them the choice between Jesus and the robber, not doubting but that Jesus would be the rather chosen.
Read all 29 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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