People in the Bible: Pontius Pilate, Roman Prefect of Judea

Pontius Pilate was prefect (not procurator, as the gospels say) of Judea during the reign of emperor Tiberius Caesar. He was the fifth Roman appointed to govern Judea and held that office for the second-longest time: 26-36 CE. This was the same time during which John the Baptist and Jesus would have been active. As prefect, he was responsible for Tiberius' estates, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. His rank was equestrian and thus he was subordinate to the senate legate of Syria. Read Article: Profile & Biography of Pontius Pilate, Roman Prefect of Judea