Luke 23

1 And the whole multitude of them, rising up, led him to Pilate.

2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We have found this [man] perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king.

3 And Pilate demanded of him saying, Art *thou* the king of the Jews? And he answering him said, Thou sayest.

4 And Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, I find no guilt in this man

5 But they insisted, saying, He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee even on to here.

6 But Pilate, having heard Galilee [named], demanded if the man were a Galilaean;

7 and having learned that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, remitted him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in those days.

8 And when Herod saw Jesus he greatly rejoiced, for he had been a long while desirous of seeing him, because of hearing many things concerning him, and he hoped to see some sign done by him;

9 and he questioned him in many words, but *he* answered him nothing.

10 And the chief priests and the scribes stood and accused him violently.

11 And Herod with his troops having set him at nought and mocked him, having put a splendid robe upon him, sent him back to Pilate.

12 And Pilate and Herod became friends with one another the same day, for they had been at enmity before between themselves.

13 And Pilate, having called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14 said to them, Ye have brought to me this man as turning away the people [to rebellion], and behold, I, having examined him before you, have found nothing criminal in this man as to the things of which ye accuse him

15 nor Herod either, for I remitted you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done by him.

16 Having chastised him therefore, I will release him.

17 ( Now he was obliged to release one for them at the feast.)

18 But they cried out in a mass saying, Away with this [man] and release Barabbas to us;

19 who was one who, for a certain tumult which had taken place in the city, and [for] murder, had been cast into prison

20 Pilate therefore, desirous to release Jesus, again addressed [them].

21 But they cried out in reply saying, Crucify, crucify him

22 And he said the third time to them, What evil then has this [man] done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will chastise him therefore and release him.

23 But they were urgent with loud voices, begging that he might be crucified. And their voices [and those of the chief priests] prevailed.

24 And Pilate adjudged that what they begged should take place.

25 And he released him who, for tumult and murder, had been cast into prison, whom they begged for, and Jesus he delivered up to their will.

26 And as they led him away, they laid hold on a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, coming from the field, and put the cross upon him to bear it behind Jesus.

27 And a great multitude of the people, and of women who wailed and lamented him, followed him.

28 And Jesus turning round to them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep over me, but weep over yourselves and over your children;

29 for behold, days are coming in which they will say, Blessed [are] the barren, and wombs that have not borne, and breasts that have not given suck.

30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall upon us; and to the hills, Cover us:

31 for if these things are done in the green tree, what shall take place in the dry?

32 Now two others also, malefactors, were led with him to be put to death.

33 And when they came to the place which is called Skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, the other on the left.

34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And, parting out his garments, they cast lots.

35 And the people stood beholding, and the rulers also [with them] sneered, saying, He has saved others; let him save himself if this is the Christ, the chosen one of God.

36 And the soldiers also made game of him, coming up offering him vinegar

37 and saying, If *thou* be the king of the Jews, save thyself.

38 And there was also an inscription [written] over him in Greek, and Roman, and Hebrew letters: This is the King of the Jews

39 Now one of the malefactors who had been hanged spoke insultingly to him, saying, Art not thou the Christ? save thyself and us.

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost *thou* too not fear God, thou that art under the same judgment?

41 and *we* indeed justly, for we receive the just recompense of what we have done; but this [man] has done nothing amiss.

42 And he said to Jesus, Remember me, [Lord,] when thou comest in thy kingdom.

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

44 And it was about [the] sixth hour, and there came darkness over the whole land until [the] ninth hour.

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

46 And Jesus, having cried with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit. And having said this, he expired.

47 Now the centurion, seeing what took place, glorified God, saying, In very deed this man was just.

48 And all the crowds who had come together to that sight, having seen the things that took place, returned, beating [their] breasts.

49 And all those who knew him stood afar off, the women also who had followed him from Galilee, beholding these things.

50 And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good man and a just

51 (this [man] had not assented to their counsel and deed), of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who also waited, [himself also,] for the kingdom of God

52 -- he having gone to Pilate begged the body of Jesus;

53 and having taken it down, wrapped it in fine linen and placed him in a tomb hewn in the rock, where no one had ever been laid.

54 And it was preparation day, and [the] sabbath twilight was coming on.

55 And women, who had come along with him out of Galilee, having followed, saw the sepulchre and how his body was placed.

56 And having returned they prepared aromatic spices and ointments, and remained quiet on the sabbath, according to the commandment.

Luke 23 Commentary

Chapter 23

Christ before Pilate. (1-5) Christ before Herod. (6-12) Barabbas preferred to Christ. (13-25) Christ speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem. (26-31) The crucifixion, The repentant malefactor. (32-43) The death of Christ. (44-49) The burial of Christ. (50-56)

Verses 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.

Verses 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.

Verses 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.

Verses 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.

Verses 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.

Verses 44-49 We have here the death of Christ magnified by the wonders that attended it, and his death explained by the words with which he breathed out his soul. He was willing to offer himself. Let us seek to glorify God by true repentance and conversion; by protesting against those who crucify the Saviour; by a sober, righteous, and godly life; and by employing our talents in the service of Him who died for us and rose again.

Verses 50-56 Many, though they do not make any show in outward profession, yet, like Joseph of Arimathea, will be far more ready to do real service, when there is occasion, than others who make a greater noise. Christ was buried in haste, because the sabbath drew on. Weeping must not hinder sowing. Though they were in tears for the death of their Lord, yet they must prepare to keep holy the sabbath. When the sabbath draws on, there must be preparation. Our worldly affairs must be so ordered, that they may not hinder us from our sabbath work; and our holy affections so stirred up, that they may carry us on in it. In whatever business we engage, or however our hearts may be affected, let us never fail to get ready for, and to keep holy, the day of sacred rest, which is the Lord's day.

Footnotes

• [a]. Remitted is the technical word for sending to one's proper jurisdiction. So, ver. 11, 'sent back' alludes probably to jurisdiction, as they were in strife about it.
• [b]. See Note, ch. 6.38.
• [c]. See Note, ch. 16.14.
• [d]. Or 'earth:' see Note, Matt. 5.5.
• [e]. Naos. The shrine.
• [f]. Hostis, as Matt. 27.55.