Matthew 27:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

NIV: But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

NASB: And still He did not answer him in regard to even a single charge, so the governor was greatly amazed.

CSB: But he didn’t answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was quite amazed.

NLT: But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.

KJV: And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.

NKJV: But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

Matthew only records one statement from Jesus to Pilate during this impromptu trial at the governor's headquarters. Pilate had asked if Jesus was the King of the Jews. Jesus said, classically, "You have said so," effectively meaning "yes" (Matthew 27:11–13). While writers such as John include other details of the conversation (John 18:33–38), that was the gist of His response. Beyond that, He had little to say to Pilate. He listened as the Jewish religious leaders reigned down accusations on Him, anything they could think of to get the Roman governor to condemn Jesus. Jesus did not refute or answer even one of the charges, though it's obvious some were simply false.

Pilate was amazed. Why wouldn't this prisoner defend Himself? It was almost like Jesus was ready to be condemned and killed. That, in fact, is exactly the case. Jesus knows that His enemies have abandoned truth to seek His death (John 11:48–53; Matthew 26:59–65). He knows the Gentile governor will eventually choose stability over justice (Matthew 27:24). No further statements would matter—so there's little point in making them (Matthew 7:6).

Matthew 27:11–26 describes Jesus' trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The Jewish religious leaders are asking Pilate to condemn Jesus to death, hurling accusations. Pilate is amazed that Jesus remains silent, barely saying anything in His own defense. Pilate offers the Passover crowds the choice between releasing Jesus or releasing Barabbas. They choose Barabbas and call for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate recognizes the obvious feud driving this persecution; he is more concerned with civil order than with justice. He agrees to execute Jesus while claiming no responsibility for the decision. Further details are found in Mark 15:1–15, Luke 23:1–25, and John 18:28—19:16.

When Judas learns Jesus has been condemned, he regrets betraying the Lord. He throws down his ill-gotten money and hangs himself. Jesus is taken to Pilate, who finds nothing to charge Him with. Given the choice, the people shout for the release of a convicted murderer and insist on Jesus' death. Jesus is mocked by a battalion of soldiers and then taken to be crucified. On the cross, He is mocked for not being able to save Himself. After three hours of darkness, Jesus dies. He is buried by a rich follower in a new tomb. This location is tightly guarded to prevent anyone from stealing the body.

Matthew 27 begins with an official meeting of the Jewish ruling council. They affirm Jesus' condemnation from the previous night, described in chapter 26. Judas confesses his betrayal and hangs himself. Pilate tries to release Jesus, but the mob shouts for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is humiliated by Roman soldiers and marched to be executed. On the cross, He is mocked by Jewish religious leaders and others. He dies and is buried in a never-used tomb. Extensive efforts to secure His body from being stolen only serve to prove the miraculous nature of His resurrection, which is detailed in chapter 28.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.