He remembered likewise that kings from the east had come to Herod, the predecessor of the present monarch of that name, to pay homage to a newly-born king of the Jews, and that Herod had on this account given orders for the massacre of the Innocents.

He had often heard of the traditions concerning the Messiah and the king of the Jews, and even examined them with some curiosity; although of course, being a pagan, without the slightest belief.

Had he believed at all, he would probably have agreed with the Herodians, and with those Jews who expected a powerful and victorious king.

With such impressions, the idea of the Jews accusing the poor miserable individual whom they had brought into his presence of setting himself up as the promised king and Messiah, of course appeared to him absurd; but as the enemies of Jesus brought forward these charges in proof of treason against the emperor, he thought it proper to interrogate him privately concerning them.
'Art thou the king of the Jews,' said Pilate, looking at our Lord, and unable to repress his astonishment at the divine expression of his countenance.
Jesus made answer, 'Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of me ?' Pilate was offended that Jesus should think it possible for him to believe such a thing, and answered, 'Am I a Jew?
Thy own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee up to me as deserving of death: what hast thou done ?' Jesus answered majestically, 'My kingdom is not of this world.

If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now my kingdom is not from hence.' Pilate was somewhat moved by these solemn words, and said to him in a more serious tone, 'Art thou a king, then ?' Jesus answered, 'Thou sayest that I am a king.