4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no basis for a charge against this man."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
I find no fault - I see no evidence that he is guilty of what you charge him with. This was after Pilate had taken Jesus into the judgment-hall by himself and examined him "privately," and had been satisfied in regard to the nature of his kingdom. See John 18:33-38. He was "then" satisfied that though he claimed to be "a king," yet his kingdom was not of this world, and that "his" claims did not interfere with those of Caesar.
I find no fault in this man - According to John 18:36, John 18:38, Pilate did not say this till after our Lord had declared to him that his kingdom was not of this world; and probably not till after he had found, on examining witnesses, (Luke 23:14), that all their evidence amounted to no proof, of his having set up himself for a temporal king. See Bishop Pearce.
Then said Pilate to the Chief priests, and to the people,.... Both to the sanhedrim, and to the mob that were gathered together about the governor's palace on this occasion; and who were standing without the judgment hall, into which they would not enter, lest they should be defiled, and be unfit to eat the passover: wherefore Pilate came out to them; and this was the second time of his coming out to them, when he said the following words, John 18:28.
I find no fault in this man; no cause, or reason, why any punishment should be inflicted on him, and especially he be put to death; no crime that can be fastened on him, or accusation proved against him, or any thing that amounts to a charge of sedition: the man is an harmless and innocent man, that has done nothing against Caesar, or the government, and good of the nation; and therefore is not worthy of death, or of stripes, but should be discharged. This was Pilate's sense.
Then said Pilate - After having heard his defence - I find no fault in this man - I do not find that he either asserts or attempts any thing seditious or injurious to Cesar.
*More commentary available at chapter level.