231 And having risen, the whole multitude of them did lead him to Pilate, 2 and began to accuse him, saying, 'This one we found perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying himself to be Christ a king.' 3 And Pilate questioned him, saying, 'Thou art the king of the Jews?' and he answering him, said, 'Thou dost say 'it'.' 4 And Pilate said unto the chief priests, and the multitude, 'I find no fault in this man;' 5 and they were the more urgent, saying—'He doth stir up the people, teaching throughout the whole of Judea—having begun from Galilee—unto this place.'
6 And Pilate having heard of Galilee, questioned if the man is a Galilean, 7 and having known that he is from the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him back unto Herod, he being also in Jerusalem in those days. 8 And Herod having seen Jesus did rejoice exceedingly, for he was wishing for a long 'time' to see him, because of hearing many things about him, and he was hoping some sign to see done by him, 9 and was questioning him in many words, and he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and the scribes stood vehemently accusing him, 11 and Herod with his soldiers having set him at nought, and having mocked, having put around him gorgeous apparel, did send him back to Pilate, 12 and both Pilate and Herod became friends on that day with one another, for they were before at enmity between themselves.
13 And Pilate having called together the chief priests, and the rulers, and the people, 14 said unto them, 'Ye brought to me this man as perverting the people, and lo, I before you having examined, found in this man no fault in those things ye bring forward against him; 15 no, nor yet Herod, for I sent you back unto him, and lo, nothing worthy of death is having been done by him; 16 having chastised, therefore, I will release him,' 17 for it was necessary for him to release to them one at every feast, 18 and they cried out—the whole multitude—saying, 'Away with this one, and release to us Barabbas,' 19 who had been, because of a certain sedition made in the city, and murder, cast into prison. 20 Pilate again then—wishing to release Jesus—called to them, 21 but they were calling out, saying, 'Crucify, crucify him.' 22 And he a third time said unto them, 'Why, what evil did he? no cause of death did I find in him; having chastised him, then, I will release 'him'.' 23 And they were pressing with loud voices asking him to be crucified, and their voices, and those of the chief priests, were prevailing, 24 and Pilate gave judgment for their request being done, 25 and he released him who because of sedition and murder hath been cast into the prison, whom they were asking, and Jesus he gave up to their will.
26 And as they led him away, having taken hold on Simon, a certain Cyrenian, coming from the field, they put on him the cross, to bear 'it' behind Jesus. 27 And there was following him a great multitude of the people, and of women, who also were beating themselves and lamenting him, 28 and Jesus having turned unto them, said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves weep ye, and for your children; 29 for, lo, days do come, in which they shall say, Happy the barren, and wombs that did not bare, and paps that did not give suck; 30 then they shall begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us, and to the hills, Cover us;— 31 for, if in the green tree they do these things—in the dry what may happen?'
32 And there were also others—two evil-doers—with him, to be put to death; 33 and when they came to the place that is called Skull, there they crucified him and the evil-doers, one on the right hand and one on the left. 34 And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do;' and parting his garments they cast a lot. 35 And the people were standing, looking on, and the rulers also were sneering with them, saying, 'Others he saved, let him save himself, if this be the Christ, the choice one of God.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:1-35
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.
Commentary on Luke 23:26-31
(Read Luke 23:26-31)
We have here the blessed Jesus, the Lamb of God, led as a lamb to the slaughter, to the sacrifice. Though many reproached and reviled him, yet some pitied him. But the death of Christ was his victory and triumph over his enemies: it was our deliverance, the purchase of eternal life for us. Therefore weep not for him, but let us weep for our own sins, and the sins of our children, which caused his death; and weep for fear of the miseries we shall bring upon ourselves, if we slight his love, and reject his grace. If God delivered him up to such sufferings as these, because he was made a sacrifice for sin, what will he do with sinners themselves, who make themselves a dry tree, a corrupt and wicked generation, and good for nothing! The bitter sufferings of our Lord Jesus should make us stand in awe of the justice of God. The best saints, compared with Christ, are dry trees; if he suffer, why may not they expect to suffer? And what then shall the damnation of sinners be! Even the sufferings of Christ preach terror to obstinate transgressors.
Commentary on Luke 23:32-43
(Read Luke 23:32-43)
As soon as Christ was fastened to the cross, he prayed for those who crucified him. The great thing he died to purchase and procure for us, is the forgiveness of sin. This he prays for. Jesus was crucified between two thieves; in them were shown the different effects the cross of Christ would have upon the children of men in the preaching the gospel. One malefactor was hardened to the last. No troubles of themselves will change a wicked heart. The other was softened at the last: he was snatched as a brand out of the burning, and made a monument of Divine mercy. This gives no encouragement to any to put off repentance to their death-beds, or to hope that they shall then find mercy. It is certain that true repentance is never too late; but it is as certain that late repentance is seldom true. None can be sure they shall have time to repent at death, but every man may be sure he cannot have the advantages this penitent thief had. We shall see the case to be singular, if we observe the uncommon effects of God's grace upon this man. He reproved the other for railing on Christ. He owned that he deserved what was done to him. He believed Jesus to have suffered wrongfully. Observe his faith in this prayer. Christ was in the depth of disgrace, suffering as a deceiver, and not delivered by his Father. He made this profession before the wonders were displayed which put honour on Christ's sufferings, and startled the centurion. He believed in a life to come, and desired to be happy in that life; not like the other thief, to be only saved from the cross. Observe his humility in this prayer. All his request is, Lord, remember me; quite referring it to Jesus in what way to remember him. Thus he was humbled in true repentance, and he brought forth all the fruits for repentance his circumstances would admit. Christ upon the cross, is gracious like Christ upon the throne. Though he was in the greatest struggle and agony, yet he had pity for a poor penitent. By this act of grace we are to understand that Jesus Christ died to open the kingdom of heaven to all penitent, obedient believers. It is a single instance in Scripture; it should teach us to despair of none, and that none should despair of themselves; but lest it should be abused, it is contrasted with the awful state of the other thief, who died hardened in unbelief, though a crucified Saviour was so near him. Be sure that in general men die as they live.