Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor (prefect) of Judea from about 26 to 36/37 AD, serving under Emperor Tiberius. He is best known in the Bible for presiding over the trial of Jesus and ordering his crucifixion

. The Gospels portray Pilate as somewhat reluctant to execute Jesus. He questioned the charges against Jesus and found no basis for a death sentence, even declaring Jesus innocent several times (e.g., Luke 23:14, 22). Pilate’s wife also warned him not to have anything to do with Jesus, whom she believed to be innocent based on a troubling dream (Matthew 27:19). Despite this, Pilate ultimately gave in to political pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd, releasing Barabbas, a prisoner, and handing Jesus over to be flogged and crucified

. Pilate famously had a sign placed on Jesus’ cross that read, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Matthew 27:37). After Jesus’ death, Pilate granted Joseph of Arimathea permission to take Jesus’ body for burial and assigned guards to the tomb

. Historically, Pilate is known from other sources such as the Jewish historian Josephus, the philosopher Philo, and the Roman historian Tacitus. Archaeological evidence like the "Pilate Stone" confirms his role as prefect of Judea. He is remembered as a controversial figure who often offended Jewish religious sensibilities and whose administration was marked by tension and violence

. In Christian tradition, Pilate’s role is significant because he symbolizes the worldly authority that condemned Jesus, despite recognizing his innocence. Some Christian traditions even venerate Pilate as a saint, especially in the Ethiopian and Coptic churches, due to beliefs that he later converted to Christianity

. In summary, Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor who legally authorized Jesus’ crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christian history, and is depicted as a conflicted official caught between justice and political expediency