KNOWN AS A DREAMER
Matthew 27:19
IMAGINE: Having a very important message for your husband and he just won’t listen.
Pontius Pilate’s wife is another Mrs. “no name” who is mentioned only in one verse in the entire Bible. In later Christian tradition, she is known as St. Procula, St. Claudia, Claudia Procles, or Claudia Procula.
The gospel of Nicodemus (probably written around the 4th century AD), identifies her as Claudia Procula, and a granddaughter of the Emperor Augustus. It also declares she was a proselyte to Judaism, and a Roman citizen. Christian literature and legends have amplified the brief verse about Pilate’s wife in the New Testament.
While he was sitting on the
judge’s bench, his wife
sent word to him, “Have
nothing to do with that
righteous man, for today
I’ve suffered terribly in a
dream because of Him!”
Matthew 27:19
Pilate, as we know, did not heed the warning of his wife. In the 3rd century, Origen of Alexandria (a Greek scholar and early Christian Theologian) suggested in his “Homilies on Matthew” that the wife of Pilate had become a Christian, or at least that God sent her the dream mentioned by Matthew so that she would convert. This interpretation was shared by several Theologians of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Of course, rival Theologians contended the dream was sent by Satan in an attempt to thwart the salvation that was going to result from Christ’s death.
Because she seems to have held an interest in the Jewish religion, she probably had discussed Jesus with Pilate. In contrast to the religious leaders who were seeking to destroy Jesus, she calls Him “that innocent man.” This is note worthy in that she had probably never seen nor met Jesus. In all likelihood though, she had heard the stories concerning Him as He was the talk of the town at that time.
As far as her calling Him innocent, that probably came from the revelation and dream she had been given by God. In all probability, she had heard testimonies from others as to what He had done in their lives and the lives of others.
One thing she did do that many of Christ’s apostles and closest disciples did not do, is stand up for His goodness. This took courage on her part to claim Him innocent in the face of so much hostility and anger. Some believe she became a Christian after the death of Christ, although this is simply speculation with no proof behind it.
There is a reason why this one verse is in the Bible concerning her that only God knows. But there are hints as to what we can take away from the actions of Mrs. Pilate. For starters, a woman in that time giving counsel to a man, albeit her own husband, was unheard of. Him being seated at the judgment seat before the Romans and high-ranking Jews, overseeing a high-profile case, and her interrupting makes one wonder how severe her dream was.
She indeed must have had an emotional meltdown to have done what she did, when she did it. Amazingly, it appears Pilate took into consideration what she instructed as he “washes his hands” of the whole affair, declaring they are crucifying an innocent man.
She may have had an effect on him by her bold move. By addressing him as she did, as he was on the judgment seat, Pilate sought to avoid personal responsibility for the death of Jesus. In Matthew, he washes his hands to show he will not be responsible for Jesus’ death. In Mark, he depicts Jesus as innocent of plotting against the Roman Empire and is reluctant to execute him. In Luke, he finds nothing treasonable in Jesus’ actions. In John, Pilate states: “I find no guilt in him.”
Giving in to political pressure, Pilate does go ahead and authorize both the flogging and crucifixion of Jesus, satisfying the crowd and disregarding the wise advice of his wife. Not much is truly known about Mrs. Pontius Pilate’s life but, there is a glimpse she possibly had true faith and for sure real conviction.
It is commonly believed she became a Christian after Jesus’ death, as mentioned. She appears to have one small walk onto the world’s stage and that is to announce Jesus is innocent, which she fulfilled against all odds.
We must all be a Mrs. Pontius Pilate by bravely standing up for the truth even when no one seems to be listening. Even if we are ignored we will have been a voice for God. We must be ready to step out and speak up when so moved, be it by dreams, visions, or God’s small quiet voice through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Something to consider:
Our lives begin to end the day
we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King, Jr
BIBLICAL PEOPLE 