Matthew 27:24

A tumult. The mob was rapidly getting out of control and a riot was in the making, for which Pilate would have to account to his superiors in Rome (cf. Acts 19:40). Pilate began to realize that every attempt he made to secure the consent of the people and their leaders to release Jesus served only to increase their unreasoning fury.

Washed his hands. For the strategy that finally led to Pilate’s action see John 19:12–16. Pilate had repeatedly declared Christ’s innocence and endeavored, if possible, to release Jesus, and if not, to evade responsibility for pronouncing judgment (John 18:38; etc.). (1) He had attempted to persuade the Jews to handle the case themselves, within the limit of the law (John 18:31). (2) He had sent Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:7). (3) He had attempted to release Jesus as the pardoned Passover prisoner (John 18:39). (4) He had scourged Jesus in the hope of arousing pity for Him, and thus of saving Him from the death penalty (Luke 23:22). Compared with other ancient peoples, the Romans were noted for their keen sense of justice in dealing with accused individuals, an attitude that Pilate no doubt shared. The emperor Tiberius is known to have dealt severely with Roman officials who mistreated any of his subjects. Pilate had already incurred imperial displeasure because of inconsiderate and brutal treatment of the Jews, and it was for the same cause, in part, that he was deposed five years later, and soon thereafter committed suicide (cf. Josephus Antiquities xviii. 3. 2; 4. 1, 2; etc.). Pilate hesitated to displease the Jews, yet if he ordered the execution of Jesus knowing Him to be innocent, he might also be called to account by the emperor.

The symbolic washing of the hands as evidence of innocence was well known among the Jews, and was in certain instances prescribed by law (see Deut. 21:6, 7, cf. Ps. 26:6; 73:13). However much Pilate might seek to evade responsibility for the death of Jesus, his guilt remained.