Herod's moral nature had become almost extinguished by a long course of immorality and cruelty. While the Baptist lived, he had "done many things" and heard John gladly; but when the beheading of this faithful witness on his own orders had taken place, the royal sinner went headlong to ruin. He treated this incident with flippant levity. The gorgeous raiment, being an imitation of the royal apparel of the Jewish kings, may have suggested the inscription affixed to the cross.
By giving the people the alternative of Christ or Barabbas, Pilate expected that they would certainly choose the former. To his dismay, this second effort to salve his conscience without endangering his reputation failed. So he drifted and sold his soul for power. Each of us has to choose between Christ and Barabbas, between the self-surrender of the Cross and brutal selfishness. Barabbas must have stolen to the Cross in the afternoon and said, as he stood there: "He hangs where I should have been. I am saved by His death." [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 23
1Jesus is accused before Pilate, and sent to Herod 8Herod mocks him 12Herod and Pilate become friends 13Barabbas is desired of the people, 24and is released by Pilate, and Jesus is given to be crucified 26He tells the women, that lament him, the destruction of Jerusalem; 34prays for his enemies 39Two criminals are crucified with him 46His death 50His burial
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:13
Called together [συνκαλεσαμενος] First aorist middle participle (to himself). Pilate included “the people” in the hope that Jesus might have some friends among them. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 23:13
Luke 23:23With loud voices [πωναις μεγαλαις] Instrumental case. Poor Pilate was overwhelmed by this tornado.Prevailed (κατισχυον katischuon). Imperfect active of κατισχυω katischuō (See note on Matthew 16:18; and note on Luke 21:36). The tempest Pilate had invited (Luke 23:13). [source]
Greek Commentary for Luke 23:13
First aorist middle participle (to himself). Pilate included “the people” in the hope that Jesus might have some friends among them. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Luke 23:13
Instrumental case. Poor Pilate was overwhelmed by this tornado.Prevailed (κατισχυον katischuon). Imperfect active of κατισχυω katischuō (See note on Matthew 16:18; and note on Luke 21:36). The tempest Pilate had invited (Luke 23:13). [source]
Imperfect active of κατισχυω katischuō (See note on Matthew 16:18; and note on Luke 21:36). The tempest Pilate had invited (Luke 23:13). [source]