Pilate's inquiry of Jesus' crime was met by the evasive sarcasm of this hypocritical Sanhedrin. Pilate responds by charging them to try Him by their own law, unknowing that the Sanhedrin had already met in an illegal night's trial in which Jesus had been condemned by them.

One has to read Luke's account to gain insight into Pilate's responsive inquiry to Jesus' Kingdom. Again, John likely assumes here, at the late date of his writing (A.D. 85), that the reader is already familiar with the earlier Synoptic writings and sees no further need for repetitive information.

Notice the hypocrisy of the Council, the present ruling religious leaders of Israel who keep the outward traditions of their law by not defiling themselves physically by contact with Gentiles (Pilate and the Gentile's Judgment Hall) to qualify for observing the High Feast. They are totally negligent of their inward spiritual condition, giving way to hate, lying, illegal activity, and murderous intentions, appointed spiritual leaders of a nation, steeped so low in self-righteousness as to move a people against their very God who has come to save them. Totally devoid of spiritual insight, they do not recognize the long-awaited Messiah prophesied by their fathers Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets. What a contrast between then and now. A leadership risen so high in outward self-righteousness, but fallen so low in self-serving lordship over a people straining under the yoke of their burdensome laws! No wonder Jesus says, "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me...and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." And again, "If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

In response to Pilate's inquiry concerning His royal lineage, Jesus forces Pilate to reveal the origin and intent of his question. Jesus will not be trapped here by either a yes or no answer which might give them sufficient reason (in their eyes) to condemn or discredit Him.

Pilate arrogantly and vehemently disassociates himself as a Gentile from this Jewish dilemma. It is of no personal interest of his?only answer their charge, so as to dispatch this irritating Jewry! seems to be his attitude.

Jesus clearly and succinctly delineates between their perceived kingdom that threatens their power from Rome and His own which is not of this world. By His miracle of the restored servant's ear at His arrest, He has plainly demonstrated the forces of His Kingdom are not meant for physical persuasion. Man's sword is not part of His arsenal; but men possessed by His Spirit, armed with His Sword(the Word), will free any from the clutches of Satan and his human and demonic instruments. ( Ep.6:17)

There is also a possible reference here to those angelic legions available upon His command mentioned earlier at His arrest. But they must wait for now until God's Redemptive plan is complete. Then their time will come when they will take vengeance upon the Lamb's enemies! (Rev.19:11-21)

Pilate does not now know whom he stands before, but does have an uncanny sense he is in the presence of someone who deeply troubles him, as indicated by the "MORE AFRAID" of 19:8. He is restrained in Christ's presence, seeing without question this one is guiltless of the mob's hostility. It is perplexing to him, and so he vacillates in his appeasement of Christ's release and the Jews' demands.