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.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:1-5
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.