Fantastic observation and question! <3
So, here's my take on it, which partly has to do with the function of language and of translation...
The word Pilate uses is ἐξουσία (exousia), most often translated into English as authority and occasionally as power. Check out BibleHub for extensive details on its meaning and usage in many contexts.
Here's the thing: the English word "authority" has strong implications of legitimacy. However, perhaps not so much in Greek, though "authorization" in the sense of legitimacy can be correct, depending on the context.
I've become persuaded that (certainly in this context where Pilate is speaking) there is a clear divide between moral authority and raw power. Pilate's actions (as I believe are the actions of all earthly states) were illegitimate, an exercise of raw power, not a legitimate authority delegated by God. And of course, by Pilate's own admission, he found no fault in Jesus.
You said:
"Please know I am not trying to be disrespectful to your thoughts or beliefs, I'm just curious about this perspective."
@papacrusher, thanks for the disclaimer, but it's not necessary! I truly appreciate your thoughtful questions, and would love to have more readers show up with the same attitude.
Jesus told us that he holds ALL authority on earth...
I further expound on the idea that Jesus is our only legitimate source of authority in this article, FYI... :D I believe that this is the "really good news," A.K.A. "the gospel" that the church needs to be proclaiming. We have a new boss, and he's the best possible; we don't need to pay petty earthly tyrants "no nevermind" any more...
Interesting discourse, to say the least. I definitely understand the woeful limitations on the translation as it had passed from the various languages down to us and have been shown similar "translation" issues in the past.
But with this interaction between Jesus and Pilate was in the midst of political connotations and Jesus was taken to Pilate specifically because of his authority in the region at the time under the ruling authority of Caesar. But I was also contemplating that when Jesus speaks of the only power Pilate had was given to him by God could also allude to the premise that this temporary authority was permitted by God in order for various prophecies concerning the Messiah to be fulfilled. This would not legitimize governments but have them serve a purpose for the fulfillment of prophecy.
Another thought I had that supports your original premise about earthly governments is that I know this was not the original plan of God. The Bible is fairly clear, in my understanding, that God's original government design was an evolution from the priests of the Levi tribe to the judge system put into place. The only reason a king was ever appointed was because of the moaning and groaning (as usual lol) of the people. Only then did God permit a king to be appointed and also only after several admonitions that it would be a mistake.
Precisely! The state is and has always been an egregious error brought on by human hubris...
Human states are, in fact based on the very same sin Satan committed when he fell from grace; namely, aspiring to be like God.
You're also precisely right about this. God often through history uses fallen and corrupt human states to accomplish his purposes. The thing to bear in mind is exactly that this in no way legitimizes those evil beasts, nor does it constitute God's stamp of moral approval. This can easily be seen in that God subsequently judges such national behavior by destroying those nations.