According to the Gospel of Matthew, who was the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus?

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus.

Pilate served as prefect of Judaea under the Roman Empire, probably from AD 26 to 36. Matthew portrays Jewish leaders bringing Jesus to Pilate because the Roman authority had the power to authorize execution. Pilate questions Jesus, recognizes the political tension surrounding the case, and ultimately hands him over for crucifixion.

The Gospel’s account includes the scene in which Pilate washes his hands, a symbolic gesture of distancing himself from responsibility. This detail is especially associated with Matthew and is not presented identically in all four Gospels.

Pilate should not be confused with Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee who appears elsewhere in the Gospel narratives. Nor should he be confused with Felix, a later Roman governor mentioned in Acts. Pilate’s role belongs specifically to Jesus’ final trial and condemnation.