@mrmhead Said
Even those that never have the opportunity to learn about Christianity?
And I'm not referring to babies. As I understand it, that is the purpose of baptism. ... though, the question remains - if they die before they are baptized, is it off to hell for them?
English Standard Version
But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
@chaski Said
That is what I said, which was not what you said.
To repeat, Pilate said,
“I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”
Pilate "washed his hands" of the sentencing of Jesus to death as it was the religious leaders of the Jews who called for Jesus' death.
Pilate did not wash his hand of the truth.
Pilate didn't care at all. He was acting for Rome. In that area he had all the power from Rome to make his decision. If he cared, he had the power from Rome either free Jesus or just executed Jesus himself But Pilate did not care. He clearly though that the Jews were being stupid, but since he didn't care, he let then do what they wanted to; i.e. execute Jesus. Thus Pilate "washed his hands".
However it was god's plan, thus Pilate could
NOT free Jesus. He had to deliver Jesus to be murdered. The prophesies had to be fulfilled.
If Pilate had freed Jesus, Jesus would not have died for your sins... the prophesies would not have been fulfilled...you would not have any Christianity.
The story had to play out to its final conclusion so "we" could have salvation.
Ultimately it was part of god's plan... Pilate never really had a choice.
When you read the bible, please do try to pay attention.
You have a big mouth, and Pilate did have a choice, even if it was pre-ordained, he had a choice. You have skipped over Gods fore-knowledge, where-in
He knew the actions of Pilate, before He created Earth or anything.
And Pilate actually washed his hands, it is not a metaphor. He was in cahoots with the Pharisee's, So when you answer me, keep a civil tongue.
English Standard Version
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”
https://biblehub.com/matthew/27-24.htm
It was a mob action, and Pilate buckled to the mob. He did have the power to release Jesus.