20. A Track Record of Controversies
Pilate’s administration was marked by several incidents that provoked the local population. They were recorded by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, and the Alexandrian Jewish philosopher Philo. The incidents reveal a pattern of cultural insensitivity, authoritarian rule, and a readiness to use force. Josephus writes that Pilate introduced Roman military standards that bore the emperor’s image into Jerusalem. That violated Jewish prohibitions against idolatry.
A large protest ensued, and after days of nonviolent demonstrations, Pilate relented and ordered the standards removed. That reveals Pilate’s unfamiliarity with Jewish customs, and his political pragmatism under pressure. In another controversy, Pilate used funds from the Temple treasury to finance the construction of an aqueduct to bring water into Jerusalem. The project might have been beneficial, but sacred funds incited public outrage. This time, Pilate deployed soldiers disguised in civilian clothing to suppress the protest. The confrontation turned violent, and resulted in many deaths.
