{Sought} (ez(8874)ei). Imperfect active, "kept on seeking,"
"made renewed efforts to release him." He was afraid to act
boldly against the will of the Jews. {If thou release this man}
(ean touton apolus(8869)s). Condition of third class, a direct
threat to Pilate. He knew all the time that the Sanhedrin might
tell Caesar on him. {Thou art not Caesar's friend} (ouk ei
philos tou kaisaros). Later to Vespasian this was an official
title, here simply a daring threat to Pilate. {Speaketh against
Caesar} (antilegei t(9369) kaisari). Caesar brooks no rival. Jesus
had allowed himself to be acclaimed king of Israel in the
Triumphal Entry ( Joh 12:13  Mr 11:10  Lu 19:38 ). The Sanhedrin
have caught Pilate in their toils.