What is truth?

"What is truth?"

This was Pilate's question to Jesus (John 18:38), but I believe it's also a relavent question many ask, even today. I wonder if he was asking as a sarcastic response to what Jesus had just told him?

"... For this purpose I have come into the world- to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." 

Or perhaps it was a ligitimate question Pilate was asking. If so, why didn't he wait for Jesus to answer?

I thought this was odd when I was reading this morning so I looked up some commentaries to glean other people's perspective on Pilate's quick exit after asking such a poignant question. Now, I understand that commentaries are merely man's opinion, but I can't help but think they had some pretty valid insight. I just wanted to share them with you all in case you, too, have ever asked the question "What is truth?"

Adam Clark explains it like this,

"Among the sages of that time there were many opinions concerning truth; and some had even supposed that it was a thing utterly out of the reach of men. Pilate perhaps might have asked the question in a mocking way; and his not staying to get an answer indicated that he either despaired of getting a satisfactory one, or that he was indifferent about it. This is the case with thousands: they appear desirous of knowing the truth, but have not patience to wait in a proper way to receive an answer to their question."

Matthew Henry had much more to say, but I am only going to quote the part that pertains to this question. What he said was similar to Clark, but he goes into greater depth of the meaning behind Christ's death.

"When Christ said, I am the Truth, he said, in effect, I am a King. He conquers by the convincing evidence of truth; he rules by the commanding power of truth. The subjects of this kingdom are those that are of the truth. Pilate put a good question, he said, What is truth? When we search the Scriptures, and attend the ministry of the word, it must be with this inquiry, What is truth? and with this prayer, Lead me in thy truth; into all truth. But many put this question, who have not patience to preserve in their search after truth; or not humility enough to receive it. By this solemn declaration of Christ's innocence, it appears, that though the Lord Jesus was treated as the worst of evil-doers, he never deserved such treatment. But it unfolds the design of his death; that he died as a Sacrifice for our sins. Pilate was willing to please all sides; and was governed more by worldly wisdom than by the rules of justice. Sin is a robber, yet is foolishly chosen by many rather than Christ, who would truly enrich us. Let us endeavour to make our accusers ashamed as Christ did; and let us beware of crucifying Christ afresh."

Now I have the priviledge of having the Scriptures in full, Pilate did not. I can clearly see that Jesus answered this question himself during his prayer to the Father in the previous chapter.

"Sanctify them in the truth; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." - John 17:17-19 (emphasis mine)

However, even with the Bible being so easily accessible today in America, there are thousands (even those who say they are Christians) who are quick to claim 'truth is relative'. This is a lie from Satan himself! God's Word is the one absolute truth (John 17:17)... it's living and active (Hebrews 4:12)... it's applicable for everything we need (2 Peter 1:3)... it's given by the very mouth of God and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16).

May we be diligent in our pursuit of Truth! May we persevere as we wade through the murky, fallacy-filled waters of this world! We all have need of endurance because the father of lies is not giving up. He desires to destroy our foundation and kill our soul!

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the BELT OF TRUTH, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the SHIELD OF FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declair it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:13-20 (emphasis mine)