John 19:12

In consequence of this and from this point, ἐκ τούτου, as in John 6:66, “upon this,” with a causal as well as a temporal reference, ἐζήτει ὁ Πιλάτος ἀπολῦσαι αὐτόν, Pilate sought (ineffectually, imperfect) to set Him free.

John 19:12. οἱ δὲ Ἰουδαῖοι, “but the Jews,” a new turn was at this point given to the case by the cunning of the Sanhedrists, who cried out, ἔκραζον λέγοντες Ἐὰν … Καίσαρι. φίλος τοῦ Καίσαρος. Wetstein says: “Legati, praesides, praefecti, consiliarii, amici Caesaris dicebantur,” but it is not in this titular sense the expression is here used. The meaning is: Thou dost not show thyself friendly to Caesar. The reason being that every one who makes himself a king, ἀντιλέγει τῷ Καίσαρι, “speaks against Caesar”. Euthymius, Field, Thayer, etc., prefer “setteth himself against Caesar,” “resisteth his authority”. And as Jesus made Himself a king, Pilate would aid and abet Him by pronouncing Him innocent. This was a threat Pilate could not despise. Tiberius was suspicious and jealous. [“Judicia majestatis … atrocissime exercuit.” Suetonius, Tib., 58. Treason was the makeweight in all accusations. Tacitus, Annals, iii. 38.]