231 And they all went and took him before Pilate. 2 And they made statements against him, saying, This man has to our knowledge been teaching our nation to do wrong, and not to make payment of taxes to Caesar, even saying that he himself is Christ, a king. 3 And Pilate said to him, Are you the King of the Jews? And he said in answer, You say so. 4 And Pilate said to the chief priests and the people, In my opinion this man has done no wrong. 5 But they became more violent than before, saying, He has made trouble among the people, teaching through all Judaea from Galilee to this place.
6 But at these words Pilate said, Is the man a Galilaean? 7 And when he saw that he was under the authority of Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem himself at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus he was very glad, having for a long time had a desire to see him, for he had had accounts of him, and was hoping to see some wonders done by him. 9 And he put a great number of questions to him, but he said nothing. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes were there, making statements against him violently. 11 And Herod, with the men of his army, put shame on him and made sport of him, and dressing him in shining robes, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And that day Herod and Pilate became friends with one another, for before they had been against one another.
13 And Pilate sent for the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, 14 You say that this man has been teaching the people evil things: now I, after going into the question before you, see nothing wrong in this man in connection with the things which you have said against him: 15 And Herod is of the same opinion, for he has sent him back to us; for, you see, he has done nothing for which I might put him to death. 16 And so I will give him punishment and let him go. 17 [] 18 But with loud voices they said all together, Put this man to death, and make Barabbas free. 19 Now this man was in prison because of an attack against the government in the town, in which there had been loss of life. 20 And Pilate again said to them that it was his desire to let Jesus go free. 21 But crying out they said, To the cross with him! 22 And he said to them a third time, Why, what evil has he done? I see no reason for putting him to death: I will give him punishment and let him go. 23 But they went on crying out loudly, Let him be put to death on the cross. And they had their way. 24 And Pilate gave his decision for their desire to be put into effect. 25 And in answer to their request, he let that man go free who had been in prison for acting against the government and causing death, and Jesus he gave up to their pleasure.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:1-25
Commentary on Luke 23:1-5
(Read Luke 23:1-5)
Pilate well understood the difference between armed forces and our Lord's followers. But instead of being softened by Pilate's declaration of his innocence, and considering whether they were not bringing the guilt of innocent blood upon themselves, the Jews were the more angry. The Lord brings his designs to a glorious end, even by means of those who follow the devices of their own hearts. Thus all parties joined, so as to prove the innocence of Jesus, who was the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Commentary on Luke 23:6-12
(Read Luke 23:6-12)
Herod had heard many things of Jesus in Galilee, and out of curiosity longed to see him. The poorest beggar that asked a miracle for the relief of his necessity, was never denied; but this proud prince, who asked for a miracle only to gratify his curiosity, is refused. He might have seen Christ and his wondrous works in Galilee, and would not, therefore it is justly said, Now he would see them, and shall not. Herod sent Christ again to Pilate: the friendships of wicked men are often formed by union in wickedness. They agree in little, except in enmity to God, and contempt of Christ.
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.