Luke 23:13
And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 11
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Roman governors typically held court (tribunal) in public spaces. Pilate likely convened this assembly at the Praetorium (his Jerusalem residence, possibly Herod's palace or the Fortress Antonia). Public proceedings served both legal transparency and political calculation—Pilate needed to demonstrate that he had thoroughly investigated the charges while gauging popular sentiment during the volatile Passover season.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pilate's public assembly demonstrate that Jesus's rejection was not merely by a few leaders but by representative humanity?
- What does the inclusion of 'the people' in this gathering teach us about corporate responsibility and individual choice in responding to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people—Having received Jesus back from Herod, Pilate assembles a public tribunal. The threefold designation (chief priests, rulers, people) represents all strata of Jewish society, emphasizing the collective nature of the rejection. The Greek synkalesámenos (having called together) suggests formal convening, indicating Pilate's attempt to resolve this matter publicly and decisively.
This assembly fulfills Jesus's prophecy in 18:32 that he would be 'delivered unto the Gentiles'—now both Gentile (Pilate) and Jewish authorities gather to determine his fate. Pilate's strategy is political: by including 'the people' (ton laon), he seeks to diffuse responsibility and potentially build support for releasing Jesus. Yet this gathering will become the scene of the people's choice of Barabbas over Christ, the criminal over the Savior—humanity's archetypal rejection of God's provision.