Luke 23

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.

And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.

Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:

No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

(For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)

And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

(Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)

Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.

But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.

And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counseller; and he was a good man, and a just:

(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

What does Luke 23:6 mean?

Explanation

Luke 23:6 refers to the moment in the trial of Jesus of Nazareth when Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, learns that Jesus is a Galilean.

Up until this point, Pilate had been questioning Jesus to ascertain whether he was guilty of the charges brought against him by the Jewish leaders, who accused Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews and subverting the nation.

When Pilate hears the mention of Galilee, he sees an opportunity to pass the responsibility for this troublesome case to Herod Antipas, who was the ruler of Galilee.

It is important to note that Galilee was not under Pilate's jurisdiction, but rather under the jurisdiction of Herod. By asking if Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate is looking for a way to deal with a politically sensitive situation.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Judea was a Roman province governed by Pontius Pilate, while Galilee was a separate region ruled by Herod Antipas.

The Roman Empire allowed some regional rulers, like Herod, to remain in power, acting as client kings who were loyal to Rome.

Pilate's inquiry about Jesus' origin reflects the political complexity of the era, where governance was divided among different rulers with varying degrees of power and autonomy.

The Gospels suggest that there was political tension and rivalry between Pilate and Herod.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the sovereignty of God in the midst of human governance. Although Pilate seeks to pass off responsibility, Jesus' journey to the cross unfolds according to divine plan.

Some Christian theologians view Pilate's action as a fulfilment of prophecy, seeing Jesus' trials before both Pilate and Herod as part of God's redemptive history.

Different Christian interpretations see Pilate's question as a moment of moral testing for Pilate, whether he will do what is just or expeditiously rid himself of a political problem.

The act of sending Jesus to Herod also prefigures the universal scope of Jesus' message and the notion that Jesus came for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and integrity. Instead of passing the blame or avoiding difficult decisions, individuals are encouraged to face challenges directly and seek just resolutions.

Additionally, the verse can remind believers of the importance of identifying with Jesus, regardless of the potential consequences or the desire to conform to societal pressures.

Cross-References

Luke 23:11 - "And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate."
John 18:28-29 - "Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?"

Matthew 27:11-14 - "And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "Galilaean" is "Γαλιλαῖος" (Galilaios), which simply refers to someone from Galilee.

The significance is not just geographical, but also cultural, as Galileans were sometimes viewed as less sophisticated or more rebellious than Judeans.

The verb "asked" is "ἐπυνθάνετο" (epynthaneto), signifying a inquiry for information, and it reflects Pilate's desire to understand the political implications of Jesus' identity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient myths and religious narratives, it is common for figures of authority to confront divinely appointed individuals, often with the rulers either failing to recognize the divine nature of the person or attempting to evade responsibility.

Pilate's question parallels situations in these stories where a ruler is faced with a decision that has far-reaching spiritual or cosmic implications.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives focus less on the content of the verse and more on its historicity and textual reliability.

Archaeology and textual criticism may lend insights into the political structures and figures mentioned in the verse, such as Pilate and Herod.

These fields facilitate a better understanding of the social dynamics and governance during the time of Jesus.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often addressed the nuance in Pilate's actions.

Some point out that Pilate's attempt to avoid making a decision about Jesus by sending him to Herod ultimately fails, as Jesus is sent back to him.

Commentators like Matthew Henry note Pilate's disregard for justice in an attempt to appease the crowd and avoid personal and political inconvenience. This scene is sometimes seen as reflecting the tragic moral weakness of a leader who knows what is right but fails to act upon it.

Luke 23

Luke 23

What does Luke 23:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 23:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?