Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
All Commentaries on John 18:28 Go To John 18
Theophilus of Antioch
AD 184
Pilate however proceeds in a more gentle way: Pilate then went out to them.
As if to say, Since you will only have such a trial as will suit you, and are proud, as if you never did any thing profane, take you Him, and condemn Him; I will not be made a judge for such a purpose.