Matthew 27:5-7
The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
"He is not here".
Where is he?
The chief priests paid off the soldiers who were guarding the tomb. They paid them to lie about the angel who moved the stone. They paid them to lie about the disciples and what happened to Jesus' body.
Why did they do that?
It is said that Pilate wrote an account about this and sent it to the Roman emperor. These writings are known as the Anaphora Pilati, and The Acta Pilati (THE GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS or "Acts of Pilate" ). In fact these letters describe many of the events about Jesus' ministry that are recorded in the Gospels, and many of the same events that occurred during Holy Week. In one such account Pilate is interrogated by Ceasar, and he makes many references to the story of Jesus.
"Pilate said: And indeed, the records of him are true; for assuredly I myself was persuaded from his works that he was greater than all the gods whom we worship."
And if you read through all these apocryphal writings that are said to be letters written by Pilate, you'll see descriptions of many amazing supernatural works. Wonders that took place at the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, not to mention terrible things happening in the heavens and on the earth at Jesus' rising from the grave. Pilate names names and calls it like he sees it. He reports that Abraham, Moses, Noah and many others who came up out of their graves and walked around the city of Jerusalem proclaiming the glory of God. And this in particular caught my interest. I've always thought that these supernatural powers on display for so many to see would have been more notable in the scriptures. And I never understood why the gospel writers didn't spend more time on these things.
Pilate describes earthquakes and chasms opening up and destroying many of the Jews. He writes about the moon of blood and light that did not end even late into the night. It seems that the laws of nature were turned around and upside down on that day and while Jesus was in the grave. And largely these things go unnoticed by the Gospels. But then, many things aren't mentioned in the Bible. So, I fall back on my original point I made long ago when these kinds of things crop up. Whenever I'm perplexed by the lack of certain information in the scriptures, I remind myself that surely Jesus defecated throughout his life, but the Bible does not confirm this. No doubt Jesus found an out of the way olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemane and urinated there when it became necessary. I mean, they were there for a long time praying. But the Bible doesn't mention it. Somethings maybe weren't important enough to the writers to make the book.
At any rate: Supposedly Pilate wrote...
"And all that night the light did not cease shining. And many of the Jews died, swallowed up in the chasm of the earth, so that on the following day most of those who had been against Jesus could not be found." (The Report of Pilate the Procurator Concerning Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sent to the August Cæsar in Rome)
Terrible justice had arrived in Jerusalem for the murder of God's Son. And yet, somehow most of these events were downplayed and propagandized into nonexistence by the Jews. Money buys the truth. The Bible does teach us that. And maybe now we have an even better understanding of Jesus' parable about the talents.
Matthew 25:18
"But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money."
They bought and sold the truth. They used their power to oppress the truth and made known only what they wanted to be made known.
It seems that success is a problem for many. It tends to make good people into fools. On the other hand, a person who follows wisdom gains many of life’s treasures, in wealth and in character. And so, it seems that The Jews lacked all of these things. And God Almighty destroyed what they had. Just as the parable promised, they were given eternal justice, they were swallowed up by the earth and to hell with them. And God as their witness, they are destined for the lake of fire.
Is Pilate going to be among those who are destined for the lake of fire?
I'm a firm believer that ALL people can be redeemed in Christ Jesus. I repeat ALL people "can" be redeemed. Not "will" be. And I mean ALL. I believe the teachings of the Gospel are clear that Jesus will receive any in forgiveness of sin if they repent of their wickedness and call upon his name through faith and prayer. If there are exceptions to this rule, then all of it is useless and unworthy of mine or anyone's worship and fidelity. And so, I understand that the implications of this is that some horrible human beings are potentially going to find faith, forgiveness and friendship with God. And that's the Gospel truth. And I'm good with that.
If in fact the "Acts of Pontius Pilate" are true and he did come to recognize Jesus as The Son of God as it seems to suggest in those writings, then I have to believe that he is likely redeemed. And I wouldn't be surprised if his wife Claudia had a lot of influence over him in this regard.
And so, it's likely that Pilate is with The Lord. Along with Paul (formerly Saul who helped murder Christian people). Alongside King David who had murdered a man to have his wife in adulterous circumstances. Alongside Peter, James and John who all ran off and abandoned The Lord, denying him out of fear. Alongside every single one of us who have failed Jesus time and time again.
Before Jesus was led away to be crucified, Pilate washed his hands in front of the crowd and declared himself innocent of Jesus’ blood.
Was he? Did Jesus agree with that?
Some argue that Pilate was simply carrying out the will of God and should not be blamed.
Do you think he regretted his actions?
I think he probably did, but his regret wasn't enough to prevent him from doing it.
“Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).
The centurion’s confession is seen as a sign of faith and a potential source of salvation for him. I think there is evidence that Pilate understood this account in a similar manner. And it's likely he gave his life to Jesus, as some say. Overall, the question of Pilate’s afterlife remains a matter of theological speculation and interpretation. The lesson we can learn from this is that we should not leave it up to speculation about us. We should make it clear and plain. There should be no room for speculation in our witness. The light of our salvation should be bright and not hidden.
Think about this:
Pilate was face to face with Jesus, and he even had the benefit of getting directly involved in a philosophical and theological discussion with Jesus about truth and power. In John 19:10, we read of a statement made by Pilate just before Jesus was given over to be crucified.
He said, “Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”
And Jesus answered by saying:
"You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above" (v. 10).
Peter said the same to the mob who killed Jesus:
“Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death” (Acts 2.23).
And in Revelation 13:8, Jesus is pictured as "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
All these things have all been prefigured and completed by the will of God. The only power any of us has in the matter is our freedom of choice. And even that was given to us.
Pilate was given a choice, and he decided to not take it when he faced Jesus.
But did it end there for him?
There are legends that suggest that Pilate lived out his days in obscurity and played a role in Christian culture. Maybe he did, maybe he repented and became a believer. I think he definitely believes.
But does he obey?
I don't know.
How about you?
Is it finished between you and Jesus?