10. Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate was a Roman governor in Judea during the time of Jesus Christ. He became famous as judge at the trial of Jesus Christ. He had Jesus killed for treason because he claimed to be the king of Jews. Leaders of Judea thought of him as dangerous to the Roman Empire.

According to the Bible, however, Pilate claims he did not want to have Jesus Christ crucified.


Jesus appearing before Pontius Pilate

Painting that shows Jesus Christ appearing before Pontius Pilate
Image: Mihály Munkácsy, Public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons


Words

  • according to = as told by ....
  • claim = to say that something is true even if not everyone believes it
  • crucify = to kill someone by nailing them to a cross
  • governor = a person who rules a territory or country for the king or emperor
  • Judea = old name for the region around Jerusalem
  • judge = person in court who decides if someone has committed a crime
  • treason = to betray your country or government
  • trial = when a court decides if a person is guilty of a crime