The Berean Codex™Scripture Research Project
Research library · Reception history · Dependency analysis

Luke 3:1 — Pontius Pilate’s prefecture attested epigraphically

A reusable research record with provenance and relationships kept separate from the presentation layer.

HISTORICAL_CONTEXTHIST_PILATE_LUK_3_1

Evidence state: documented fact

The Caesarea inscription independently attests Pontius Pilate and his Roman title as prefect of Judaea during the period traditionally assigned to his administration. This supplies direct administrative context for Luke 3:1 naming Pilate as governing Judea.

Documented evidence

Claim: The inscription names Pontius Pilate and preserves his title as prefect of Judaea.

Evidence Type: epigraphic/administrative

Confidence: documented fact

Sources: SRC_IMJ_PILATE_INSCRIPTION

Competing interpretations

Classification: reasonable inference

Note: Restoration of the missing portions and the exact nature of the Tiberieum are debated; neither is needed for the Pilate/title link.

What this does not establish

It does not establish that any particular Gospel episode involving Pilate occurred.
It does not verify Luke’s chronology or wording as a manuscript witness.
It does not establish the reconstructed missing portions of the inscription beyond the surviving evidence.
Release Introduced
v51
Passage Id
PASSAGE_LUK_3_1
Category
roman_provincial_administration
Evidence Classification
documented fact
Date Range
{
    "start_ce": 26,
    "end_ce": 36,
    "label": "ca. 26–36 CE",
    "certainty": "bounded by Pilate’s prefectural tenure"
}
Original Language
{
    "language": "Latin",
    "occurrence": "[...PONTI]US PILATUS / [...PRAEF]ECTUS IUDA[EA]E",
    "text_state": "PARTIAL_WITH_STANDARD_RESTORATION",
    "translation": "Pontius Pilate … prefect of Judaea"
}
Exact Relevant Context
Pilate Stone, Caesarea Maritima; surviving lines preserve Pilate’s name and the prefectural title. Luke 3:1 names Pontius Pilate in relation to the government of Judaea.
Status
ACTIVE_PASSAGE_CONTEXT_RECORD