a tumult was made] He doubted lest they would take him by force, and raise some sedition. washed his hands] Thereby intending to signifie himself free from the guilt of Christs death, Deuteronomy 21:6. Psalms 26:6. He thought by this vain ceremony to free himself, without whom Christ could not have been condemned. of the blood] Of the murder. of this just man] Christ being pronounced innocent now thrice, vers. 4, 19 and here, died for our sins doubtlesse, 1 Peter 3:18. see ye to it] Take heed lest ye be plagued for forcing me to condemn him.