Each year, as I contemplate the Easter story, my attention is drawn to a different aspect that encourages me to further pause and reflect. Pontius Pilate is worthy of further study at this time of the year (John 18:28-40; 19:1-16). Let’s note five things about his life.

First, observe his vocation. Pilate was “the fifth Roman procurator of Judea,” according to Herbert Lockyer, in "All the Men of the Bible." Lockyer continues, “Pilate held office for some twelve years, and by his covetous and cruel government caused himself to be hated both by Jews and Samaritans... What a man he was for shirking responsibilities!”

Second, observe his vexation. Someone explains, vexation is “the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried, as well as the cause of such irritation.” Pilate faced festering systemic problems that served as a constant source of vexation. How many vexing problems are of our own doing?

Third, observe his vacillation. Vacillation is to be torn between two opinions. This reminds me of the words of Elijah recorded in 1 Kings 18:21, “How long will you falter between two opinions?” James warns, “a double-minded man, [is] unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Pilate’s instability is demonstrated by his actions related to Jesus (John 18:31; Luke 23:7, 22; Matthew 27:17, 24). Pilate lacked convictions. Vance Havner said, “America was built, not by politicians running for something; but by statesmen standing for something!” Statesmen operate by principles regardless of the way the winds of political expediency might seem to blow.

Fourth, observe his violation. Pontius Pilate violated his conscience in his treatment of Jesus. His wife had a dream and shared a warning about the trial of Jesus to “Have nothing to do with that just Man” (Matthew 27:19), but Pilate did not heed her warning. In "Meet Your Conscience," Warren W. Wiersbe exhorts, “May the Lord help each one of us maintain a good conscience, lest we develop a defiled conscience and then an evil conscience!” An evil conscience is described in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” In Isaiah 5:21, the prophet also warns, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!”

Fifth, observe his vulgarization. This is “the process of making something less good by changing it so that it is more ordinary than before and not of such a high standard,” according to the "Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary." Pontius Pilate took the agency of human government ordained by God and vulgarized it by his practice of choosing politics over principles. Too many fail to recognize that since God ordained human government, those serving in this capacity will find themselves accountable to Him. One day Pilate will stand trial before Jesus. Everyone will. Those who serve in various branches of government must answer the question, “Politics or principles?”

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.