governor

The ruler of a Roman province, usually a former consul. Pilate was governor over the province of Judea when Jesus was crucified (Matt 27:2). In the larger senatorial provinces a governor would usually serve for three years. Governors of provinces in which two to four legions were stationed held an important military command. Entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining peace, they would investigate any potential source of difficulty, such as the dispute between Paul and his enemies (Acts 24:1; Acts 25:1-4).