Pilate wished Jesus’ release, because the prisoner had acknowledged his authority. Even though Christ’s majesty, piety set bounds to that power. Jesus did not threaten Pilate, but rebuked him mildly. He made a distinction between Pilate’s sin and Caiaphas’ crime. Jesus did not threaten Pilate, but rebuked him mildly. He made a distinction between Pilate’s sin and Caiaphas’ crime. Jesus was the judge of the one trying him, and tried to draw him towards the divine realities.
When the Jewish priests noticed the change of heart in Pilate, they switched the discussion to politics. Their charge that Jesus was claiming divinity was useless in a Roman court. So they threatened to expose the governor as disloyal to Caesar, if he would not kill Jesus.
"The friend of Caesar" meant a favorite of the Emperor. This title was accorded to his envoys and imperial relatives. Pilate’s wife may have been one of these relatives. Since Tiberius Caesar trusted no one and was of pessimistic nature, he was inclined to doubt the sincerity of his delegates. He constantly expected rebellions led by one or other of them. Anyone who accused Caesar’s friend and substantiated the charge could bring about the downfall of the accused, who could be exiled.
Had the Jewish leaders written to Rome that Pilate had set "The King of the Jews" free, despite their own charge of rebellion, it would mean he was gathering Caesar’s foes round him. Consequently, Pilate’s position was shaky. He was unwilling to give up his position for Jesus, even if truth was on Jesus’ side. This threat broke down his resistance, and he prepared to pass official judgment to condemn Jesus. He fell back on formalities to clear his person of Christ’s blood. He appeared to have passed a fair judgment, but in his heart of hearts he knew he had been grossly unjust.