Conspiracy

In verses 1-12, Paul avoids an ambush by appealing to Caesar for justice.

Hit Where It Hurts

Pilate was mired in Jesus’ innocence, an angry mob, and Caesar.

The mob shrewdly forced Pilate to condemn Jesus because Jesus was King of the Jews.

Since Pilate’s directive was to protect Caesar’s interests, and since a kingdom has room for only one king, Jesus had to die.