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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of Me?" Wherefore did Christ ask this? Because He desired to expose the evil intentions of the Jews. Pilate had heard this saying from many, and, since the accusers had nothing to say, in order that the enquiry might not be a long one, he desires to bring forward that which was continually reported. …
Cyril of Alexandria
As no one, He says, has openly brought this charge against Me, whence proceeds your question? There can be no doubt that this trick proceeds from the malice of the Jews, and that they devised this cruel stratagem; for else you would not be, He says, at once judge and accuser. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
And Christ asks him whether he says this of himself, or from others? Not because He does not know, but because He wishes to expose the evil intent of the Jews in such a way that even Pilate would condemn them. And in another way. The Lord asks Pilate whether he asks this of himself or at the suggestion of others, and thereby exposes him of foolishness and unjust judgment. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
The Lord indeed knew both what He Himself asked, and what reply the other was to give; but yet He wished it to be spoken, not for the sake of information to Himself, but that what He wished us to know might be recorded in Scripture. This is what the good Master wished us to know; but first there had to be shown us the vain notion that men had regarding His kingdom, whether Gentiles or Jews, from whom Pilate had heard it; as if He ought to have been punished with death on the ground of aspiring to an unlawful kingdom; or as those in …
Thomas Aquinas
2346 Then (v 34), Jesus is seen questioning his examiner: first, we have Christ's question; then Pilate's answer, Am I a Jew? 2347 The Evangelist says, Jesus answered, asking a question in return, Do you say this of your own accord or did others say it to you about me? There are two reasons why someone asks a question. Sometimes it is to find out something that the questioner does not know; as when a student questions his teacher. …
Bonaventure
"Jesus answered," etc. The second point is touched upon, namely the origin of the inquiry; and so that the origin might be known, the Lord asks Pilate: "Do you say this of yourself, or have others told you about me?" He does not ask because he is in doubt, but so that through his response he might expose the malice of the Jews; and this indeed happens in Pilate's response.
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