Acts 13:28
And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἰτίαν
cause
G156
αἰτίαν
cause
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
3 of 9
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
θανάτου
of death
G2288
θανάτου
of death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
4 of 9
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
This occurred during Paul's sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch (c. AD 47-48), his first recorded sermon in Acts. He's recounting salvation history to a Jewish audience, demonstrating how Israel's leaders fulfilled prophecy through their rejection of Jesus. The legal innocence of Jesus was crucial apologetically—the crucifixion wasn't execution for crimes but the predetermined plan of God (Acts 2:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's judicial innocence intensify both the guilt of his murderers and the wonder of his substitutionary atonement for guilty sinners?
- What does the religious establishment's rejection of an innocent man reveal about humanity's moral capacity apart from God's grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
And though they found no cause of death in him (αἰτίαν θανάτου, aitian thanatou)—Paul emphasizes the judicial innocence of Jesus. Despite rigorous examination by both Jewish and Roman authorities, no legitimate capital charge could be substantiated. This echoes Pilate's threefold declaration "I find no fault in him" (Luke 23:4, 14, 22) and fulfills Isaiah 53:9, "he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."
Yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain (ᾐτήσαντο Πιλᾶτον ἀναιρεθῆναι αὐτόν, ētēsanto Pilaton anairethēnai auton)—The verb ᾐτήσαντο (ētēsanto, "demanded") implies persistent, forceful petition. Despite Jesus's legal innocence, the religious leaders manipulated political pressure to secure crucifixion. This reveals the depth of human depravity: they murdered the sinless Son of God while releasing Barabbas, a murderer. Peter makes the same charge in Acts 3:13-15, highlighting the paradox of rejecting the Holy and Just One.