Matthew 27:1-2

Jesus Brought Before Pilate

27:1 When 1  it was early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to execute him. 27:2 They 2  tied him up, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate 3  the governor. 4 

1 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

2 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

3 tc Most mss (A C W Θ 0250 Ë1,13 Ï latt) have Ποντίῳ (Pontiw, “Pontius”) before Πιλάτῳ (Pilatw, “Pilate”), but there seems to be no reason for omitting the tribal name, either intentionally or unintentionally. Adding “Pontius,” however, is a natural expansion on the text, and is in keeping with several other NT and patristic references to the Roman governor (cf. Luke 3:1; Acts 4:27; 1 Tim 6:13; Ign. Magn. 11.1; Ign. Trall. 9.1; Ign. Smyrn. 1.2; Justin Martyr, passim). The shorter reading, supported by א B L 0281 33 pc co, is thus strongly preferred.

4 sn The Jews most assuredly wanted to put Jesus to death, but they lacked the authority to do so. For this reason they handed him over to Pilate in hopes of securing a death sentence. The Romans kept close control of the death penalty in conquered territories to prevent it from being used to execute Roman sympathizers.