Pontius Pilate was the Roman procuarator (governor) of Judaea living in Jerusalem during the trial of Jesus. According to the story, he washed his hands to indicate that he believed Jesus was innocent of any capital crime - if he was killed - it wasn't on him. read more
Before Pilate made the symbolic gesture of washing his hands, he had met with Jesus personally and tried to understand why the Jewish mob wanted to kill him. He asked Jesus if Jesus was the son of God, and Jesus' response may have genuinely frightened him. read more
Pontius Pilate had heard of the miracles Jesus performed and this assured him that he WAS the Son of God. Also, he asked Jesus of His crimes, in which He replied He had commit no crime. This made Pilate fear Jesus, maybe even more God. read more