John 19:11

‘Jesus answered him, “You would have no power against me unless it was given to you from above. That is why he who delivered me to you has greater sin”.'

Jesus acknowledged Pilate's earthly authority, although pointing out that it was a deputed authority. The words could mean that Pilate had the authority ‘from above', that is from the Emperor, and that that was what gave him the power to do what he said. Possibly that is how Pilate took it. But the greater meaning is clear to the reader. It was that he had authority because the Lord of the Universe was allowing it. It was because of that that he had been put in this position. He had not chosen to be there. He was but a pawn, even though a responsible pawn. So, although he might not decide as he should, it would not be with a deliberate vindictiveness like that of his accusers. Thus his sin was less. It was, however, still sin for he had free choice and little excuse.

‘He who delivered me.' The contrast is between the one who ‘delivered' Him up, and Pilate, so that we must see the ‘he' as the High Priest, but behind him lay his cronies. Those responsible for worship in God's Temple would now offer up God's Son.

Pilate probably recognised both meanings. He was pacified that the man recognised his authority from Caesar, of which he was no doubt very proud. It had been hardly obtained. And he accepted that possibly it might be by the permission of some supreme being. Either way it reminded him that he was speaking in Caesar's name and gave him the motive for making a further effort for the man's release.