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 23:10 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 23:10, "And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him," falls within the narrative of the trial of Jesus Christ before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

This verse reflects the intense opposition that Jesus faced from the Jewish religious authorities of the time.

It underscores the fervor with which the chief priests and scribes were pursuing their case against Jesus, accusing him of various transgressions, which they believed warranted his execution.

The word "vehemently" suggests intense emotion; it indicates that these accusations were not merely formal charges but were also filled with animosity and passion.

The chief priests and scribes standing is a conventional sign of respect in a court-like setting, but in this context, it might also show their commitment to seeing Jesus condemned.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

The verse is situated in the context of Jewish and Roman political tension.

During the first century, Israel was under Roman rule, and the Jewish Sanhedrin, a council of priests, scribes, and elders, held limited authority under Roman oversight.

The chief priests and scribes represented the Jewish religious elite who perceived Jesus as a threat to their religious and political stability.

Accusing Jesus before Pilate was their attempt to use the Roman legal system to execute what they could not legally do themselves: the capital punishment of a man they considered a blasphemer and instigator.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being hated and persecuted (e.g., Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).

Different theological interpretations see the accusations as part of God's divine plan, leading to the crucifixion and eventual resurrection of Jesus, which is fundamental to salvation in Christian belief.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers to remain steadfast in the face of false accusation and persecution.

It serves as a reminder of the trials that Jesus himself experienced and may inspire individuals to show grace and forgiveness when confronted with opposition or hostility.

Cross-References

These additional verses provide further biblical context to the account of Luke 23:10:

Matthew 27:12 "And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing."
Mark 15:3 "And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing."
John 19:6 "When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.

Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him."

Language Study

Examining the Greek used in this verse provides additional insights:

"Accused" (kategoreo) could carry a legal connotation, suggesting a formal process of bringing charges or a prosecution.
"Vehemently" (euthymos) translates to 'ardently' or 'passionately,' indicating the energy and emotion behind the priests' and scribes' accusations.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this narrative to other ancient myths, one can find echoes of figures who are unjustly accused or who must endure trials, such as Dionysus or Socrates.

However, within the context of Jewish religious beliefs, Jesus' trial before Pilate and the actions of the chief priests and scribes reflect a unique moment where religious authorities appeal to a foreign power to carry out what they see as a religious and social imperative.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern forensic and legal methodologies offer ways to scrutinize historical accounts like this one.

They can provide insights into the legal proceedings of the time and remind us of the human tendency toward confirmation bias , in this case, the scribes and chief priests' refusal to consider evidence that did not support their view of Jesus.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of this verse:

Adam Clarke Commentary notes the desperation with which the Jewish authorities sought to have Jesus condemned, possibly recognizing that Pontius Pilate did not view Jesus as a genuine political threat.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges emphasizes the religious leaders' persistence in ensuring that Pilate felt pressured to make a ruling against Jesus, despite his initial reluctance.
Matthew Henry's Commentary reflects on the fulfillment of prophecy and the moral lesson that the innocent may be accused, and believers should prepare for such trials.

The verse is seen through a prism of theological significance, historical circumstances, and moral application, with a recognition of the weighty consequences of Jesus' trial and crucifixion for Christian theology.

Luke 23

Luke 23

What does Luke 23:10 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 23:10 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?