Evidence · Case 05 · Relativism
The Gospel of John, chapter 18, verses 37-38
One exhibit from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
At his trial, Jesus tells the Roman governor Pilate that he came to bear witness to the truth. Pilate answers with a question, “What is truth?” and walks out without waiting for a reply. John sets the culture’s shrug about truth directly in front of the man who has just tied truth to himself.
Sources
The Gospel of John 18:37-38, New American Standard Bible.
Objections & responses
- Reading Pilate’s “What is truth?” as the culture’s shrug imports a modern debate into a first-century scene. Pilate may be asking sincerely, or dismissively about political truth.
Agreed, and the modern framing should be held lightly. John gives no interpretation of Pilate’s tone, and readers have heard it as cynical, weary, or sincere. The scene is cited only as supporting context that John returns to the theme of truth around Jesus at the trial as well as in the upper room. Whatever Pilate meant, John’s point is that truth stood in front of him and he did not stay for an answer.