I think he despised the jewish leaders but bowed to them. He knew he was doing wrong, so he felt a need to publicly wash his hands of it and try not to own it. He put up the sign to mock the Jews, but perhaps not to mock Jesus - though he was still complicit in his role. The soldiers mocked Jesus just becuase they were mean, they mocked everyone in their hands.

I think he was sympathetic to Jesus but feared man instead. His question, "What is truth" might have been a true question and not a sneering mock. Pilate had a long history of political troubles and he was trying to stay in control I believe without causing a major riot.

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Pergamum


"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?"
-- David Livingstone