John 19:23

"Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”"

Key Reflection

Pilate's response underscores his determination and detachment from the situation; he is simply stating that he has fulfilled his duty by writing his judgment on the cross, refusing to change or retract it. This act symbolizes Pilate's official stance while hinting at the inevitability of Jesus' crucifixion in God's plan.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. His garments. The plural here is used to denote the outer garment. It was made, commonly, so as to be easily thrown on or off, and when they laboured or walked it was girded about the loins. See Barnes "Mt 5:40". Four parts. It seems, from this, that there were four soldiers employed as his executioners. His coat. His under garment, called the tunic. Was without seam. Josephus (Antiq., b. iii. ch. 8, 4) says of the garment or coat of the high-priest that "this vesture was not composed of two pieces, nor was it sewed together upon the shoulders and the sides; but it was one long vestment, so woven as to have an aperture for the neck.

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