Apocrypha
Report of Pilate
Pilate Cycle
1 chapter · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
A second version of Pilate's report to the emperor, more dramatic than the first, with the eclipse and the dead who appeared in the city.
Where this text comes from
Greek, 4th or 5th century AD. Known in Latin as the Anaphora Pilati.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- The description of the wonders at the crucifixion, expanded well beyond what the gospels say.
- The tone is that of a man defending himself against a future accusation.
Frequently asked questions
- How does this differ from the Letter of Pilate?
- They are two distinct compositions from the same cycle, with similar content. The Report is longer and dwells on the wonders; the Letter is brief and administrative.