The interpretation timeline

Matt 27:11

How this passage has been read — the sources, oldest to newest.

From the early Church Fathers to now.

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Patristic before A.D. 750
Origen · c. A.D. 184–253 A.D. 253
“Or, Pilate spoke this affirmatively, as he afterwards wrote in the inscription, The King of the Jews. By answering to the Chief Priest, Thou hast said, He indirectly reproved his doubts, but now He turns Pilate’s speech into an affirmative, Jesus saith unto him, Thou sayest it.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
Origen · c. A.D. 184–253 A.D. 253
“Neither then nor now did Jesus make any reply to their accusations, for the word of God was not sent to them, as it was formerly to the Prophets. Neither was Pilate worthy of an answer, as he had no fixed or abiding opinion of Christ, but veered about to contradictory suppositions. Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
Origen · c. A.D. 184–253 A.D. 253
“The governor marvelled at His endurance, as knowing that he had power to condemn Him, He yet continued in a peaceful, placid, and immovable prudence and gravity. He marvelled greatly, for it seemed to him a great miracle that Christ, produced before a criminal tribunal, stood thus fearless of death, which all men think so terrible.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
Hilary of Poitiers · c. A.D. 310–367 A.D. 367
“Or, when asked by the High Priest whether He were Jesus the Christ, He answered, Thou hast said, because He had ever maintained out of the Law that Christ should come, but to Pilate who was ignorant of the Law, and asks if He were the King of the Jews, He answers, Thou sayest, because the salvation of the Gentiles is through faith of that present confession.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
John Chrysostom · A.D. 347–407 A.D. 407
“He said this out of a wish to release Him, if He should justify Himself in His answer. But the Jews, though they had so many practical proofs of His power, His meekness and humbleness, were yet enraged against Him, and urged on by a perverted judgment. Wherefore He answers nothing, or if He makes any answer He says little, that total silence might not be construed into obstinacy.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
Jerome · c. A.D. 347–420 A.D. 420
“But observe, that to Pilate who asked the question unwillingly He did answer somewhat; but to the Chief Priests and Priests He refused to answer, judging them unworthy of a word; And when he was accused by the Chief Priests and Elders, he answered nothing.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗
Augustine of Hippo · A.D. 354–430 A.D. 430
“(de Cons. Ev. iii. 8.) Luke explains what were the accusations alleged against Him, And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. (Luke 23:2.) But it is of no consequence to the truth in what order they relate the history, or that one omits what another inserts.”
Catena Aurea: Gospel of Matthew, as excerpted in the Catena Aurea on Matthew 27:11-14 PD · J. H. Newman (Oxford, 1841) ↗

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