John 18:29

29. Insert ἔξω (אBC1LX) after Πιλάτος: φησίν (אBC1LX) for εἷπεν (Acts 3 correction to harmonize with ἐξῆλθεν).

29. ἐξῆλθεν οῦν ὁ Π. ἔξω. Because they would not enter, therefore Pilate went out to them. The emphatic position of ἐξῆλθεν and the addition of ἔξω seem to call attention to this Roman concession to Jewish religiousness. The Evangelist assumes that his readers know who Pilate is, just as he assumes that they know the Twelve, Martha and Mary, and Mary Magdalene (John 6:67; John 11:1; John 19:25).

τίνα κατηγορίαν. No doubt Pilate knew, but in accordance with strict procedure he demands a formal indictment.

κακὸν ποιῶν. An evil-doer: distinguish from κακοῦργος (Luke 23:32). The Jews are taken aback at Pilate’s evident intention of trying the case himself. They had expected him merely to carry out their sentence, and had not come provided with any definite accusation. Blasphemy, for which they had condemned Him (Matthew 26:65-66), might be no crime with Pilate (comp. Acts 18:16). Hence the vagueness of their first charge. Later on (John 19:7) they throw in the charge of blasphemy; but they rely mainly on three distinct charges, which being political, Pilate must hear; (1) seditious agitation, (2) forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, (3) assuming the title, ‘King of the Jews’ (Luke 23:3).