All verses are quoted from the NASB anything in [square brackets] is added by me for clarity.

"I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate," 1 Timothy 6:13

What was this "good confession" that Jesus made before the Governor Pilate?

"Now Jesus stood before the governor [Pilate], and the governor questioned Him, saying, `Are You the King of the Jews?' And Jesus said to him, `It is as you say.' And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. Then Pilate said to Him, `Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?' And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed." Matthew 27:11-14

"Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him, `Are You the King of the Jews?' And He answered him, `It is as you say.' The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, `Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!' But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed." Mark 15:1-5

"Then the whole body of them [chief priests and scribes] got up and brought Him [Jesus] before Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, `We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.' So Pilate asked Him [Jesus], saying, `Are You the King of the Jews?' And He answered him and said, `It is as you say.' " Luke 23:1-3

In the three synoptic gospels we read that Jesus confessed to Pilate to being the "King of the Jews". The gospel of John expands only a little on this -

"Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, `Are You the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, `Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?' Pilate answered, `I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?' Jesus answered, `My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.' Therefore Pilate said to Him, `So You are a king?' Jesus answered, `You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.' " John 18:33-37

Here Jesus confesses to Pilate that He is the "King of the Jews", and that His kingdom is "not of this world". Jesus also confesses to Pilate that He "testifies to the Truth."

Back to Home Page