The centurion who was responsible for carrying out the crucifixion added his testimony to the others who recognized Jesus" innocence. His witness constituted praise of God because it harmonized with God"s assessment of His Son. Praising God is a reaction to God"s power and mercy that Luke often noted in this Gospel ( Luke 2:20; et al.). The reaction of the general public (Gr. ochloi, a mixed group) was to smite their breasts with their hands in typical ancient Near Eastern fashion. This symbolized their grief at the tragedy of Jesus" crucifixion (cf. Luke 18:13). Jesus" acquaintances, including several females, stood at a distance watching. The reference to these women prepares for the following events. The implication is that they, too, marveled at the tragedy but stood aloof (cf. Psalm 38:11). [source][source][source]
These reactions confirm that Jesus did indeed die as a real man. He was not a demigod who merely appeared to die. Note also that Luke presented these witnesses in a receding order from the cross ( Luke 23:46). The effect is to lead the reader to step back from the cosmic epicenter of history gradually. [source][source][source]
Luke stressed Jesus" innocence in a number of ways that the other Gospel writers did not. He recorded that Pilate declared Him innocent four times ( Luke 23:4; Luke 23:14-15; Luke 23:22). He also noted Herod"s testimony to Jesus" innocence ( Luke 23:15). He contrasted Jesus" innocence with Barabbas" guilt ( Luke 23:25). He recorded the thief"s testimony to Jesus" innocence ( Luke 23:41). He also included the centurion"s confession of Jesus" innocence ( Luke 23:47). Finally he noted the reaction of the crowd that showed many of them believed He was innocent ( Luke 23:48). Obviously Luke wanted to convince his readers that Jesus died as an innocent Prayer of Manasseh , not as a sinner. [source][source][source]