13 Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people , 14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion , and behold , having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him 15 "No , nor has Herod , for he sent Him back to us; and behold , nothing deserving death has been done by Him. 16 "Therefore I will punish Him and release Him." 17 [Now he was obliged e to release to them at the feast one prisoner.] 18 But they cried out all together , saying , " Away with this man , and release for us Barabbas !" 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city , and for murder . 20 Pilate , wanting to release Jesus , addressed them again , 21 but they kept on calling out, saying , "Crucify , crucify Him! 22 And he said to them the third time , "Why , what evil has this man done ? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death ; therefore I will punish Him and release Him." 23 But they were insistent , with loud voices asking that He be crucified . And their voices began to prevail . 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted . 25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder , but he delivered Jesus to their will .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:13-25
Commentary on Luke 23:13-25
(Read Luke 23:13-25)
The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.