And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

ACTS 13:28KJV
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Acts 13:28 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:28 mean?

Acts 13:28 says that although the authorities could not find any legitimate reason for Jesus to be sentenced to death, they still asked Pilate, the Roman governor, to have him executed. The verse highlights that Jesus was put to death despite his innocence according to the legal standards of the time.

Paul is speaking to a Jewish audience in a synagogue, recounting the events of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. He points out that the leaders in Jerusalem, even after examining Jesus and finding no cause for the death penalty, insisted that Pilate carry out the execution. This sets up the injustice of Jesus’ death and prepares the listeners for Paul’s message about the resurrection.

The Greek behind Acts 13:28

  • "αἰτία" (aitia, G156): This word means "cause" or "reason." In this context, it refers to a legal ground or charge worthy of death. The verse stresses that no valid accusation was found against Jesus.
  • "θάνατος" (thanatos, G2288): This is the Greek word for "death." Here, it refers specifically to the death penalty, making clear that the authorities could not justify such a sentence.
  • "Πιλᾶτος" (Pilatos, G4091): This is the Greek form of "Pilate," the Roman governor. Mentioning Pilate underscores that the Jewish leaders needed Roman approval for an execution, highlighting the political dynamics.
  • "ἀναιρεθῆναι" (anairethēnai, G337): This verb means "to be killed" or "to be put to death." It emphasizes that the request was for Jesus to be executed, not just punished.

Why Acts 13:28 matters

  • Acts 13:28 clarifies that Jesus’ death was not because of any crime or guilt on his part, but because of the insistence of the authorities, highlighting the injustice of the crucifixion.
  • The verse connects the story of Jesus to the larger narrative Paul is telling, showing continuity between Israel’s history and the events of Jesus’ life and death.
  • By mentioning Pilate and the lack of legal cause, Paul appeals to both Jewish and Roman understandings of justice, making his message relevant to a mixed audience.

Where else these words appear

“cause” Greek G156 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  • John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
  • Acts 25:27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

“slain” Greek G337 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Acts 7:28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

“Pilate” Greek G4091 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
  • John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

“they” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: