The Wife of Pilate

Matthew 27:19
When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.


(http://mendezlastrucci.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html)

The wife of Pilate receives only one mention in the entire New Testament but there is much we can learn from her example.  What historians know about are are that her name was Claudia Procula and that she belonged to a distinguished and powerful Roman family.  They also indicate that due to her birth and connection it was her influence that allowed Pontius Pilate to become governor in Judea.

Based on the verse in Matthew it seems likely that she was involved or at least understood politics and how difficult a position her husband was in.  How often do we look to our spouses and realize that they are in a no-win situation?  How can we offer them support and assistance?  Claudia Procula did what she felt was best after receiving a powerful dream.  It is never mentioned that she was a prophetess or a visionary but this one dream moved her to action.  Politically her suggestion to "Have thou nothing to do with that just man" didn't make sense.  Pilate had to keep peace in the land and an angry mob thirsted for Christ's blood. 

I don't think that Pilate wanted to appease his wife, I think he took her guidance and tried to help the people he ruled over to see the truth.  They didn't want to free Christ, instead they demanded that Barabbas, "a notable prisoner" be freed and that Christ be crucified.  Her suggestion caused him to hesitate but eventually he allowed the mob to win.  He released Barabbus and crucified Christ but not until after he said that he felt that Jesus was innocent.  Pilate felt he was keeping the peace by crucifying Christ but what would have happened if he would have listened to Claudia?

After looking at this remarkable woman, a Roman who listened to the Spirit of God, how can we take her example and include it in our lives?  Although she was not a Jew she followed the prompting of God even when it was not popular.  Believing in a Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost sometimes we are accused of being strange, trapped, or otherwise less than but by living a life that would make our Heavenly Family happy means that we are able to remain open to the promptings that can help to improve our lives or warn us if we are about to make a mistake.  Also, she went to her husband and told him of the spiritual experience she had had and her own interpretation of it.  I suspect that they discussed the matter and he was convinced that she was right.  It is sometimes unpopular to believe that the husband is the head of the household but this is formula we have been given. When we follow the patriarchal order we are co-rulers of our home and family.  Neither spouse has more power over the other and Claudia understood this.  She also recognized that her husband was in a position to make a positive change. 

In the story of Christ's judgement and crucifixion Claudia is sometimes forgotten.  Many women feel this in relation to their husband but women have a crucial role to be fulfilled.  If we can keep Claudia as a part of us and remember her example it can help to provide us strength as we raise our children, work on creating peace and love in our home, improve our relationships with our husband, children, family and friends.  Claudia remained open-minded and when she received a powerful dream she knew what she needed to do.  Why did Matthew include this in his version of the trial?  He obviously felt it important for us to realize how important women were, and still are. 

Ladies, you are pertinent and vital.  You make a difference.  Guys, listen to these righteous women.  We can support each other to live to our highest potential but we have to remain open to each other and to the Spirit of God.