First mention: Matthew 27:2

Final mention: 1 Timothy 6:13

Meaning of his name: "Pikeman, one armed with a javelin"

Frequency of his name: Referred to 53 times

Biblical books mentioning him: Six books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, 1 Timothy)

Occupation: Roman governor of Judea

Important fact about his life: He condemned Jesus to be crucified.

Copyright 1999, used by permission from Dr. H.L. Willmington.

Pilate's family name Pontius, indicates that he was connected by descent or adoption with the family of Pontii. His early history is unknown.

He was appointed governor of Judea by Tiberius in A.D. 26 and immediately offended the Jews by moving his army's headquarters to Jerusalem from Caesarea. The soldiers brought their standards bearing the image of the emperor into the holy city within sight of the temple. This infuriated the Jews and Pilate yielded to their demands and ordered the standards returned to Caesarea. (Josephus, Antl, xviii, 3, 12; War, ii, 9, 2-4.)