Luke 23:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 23:15
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Chapter Context
Luke 23 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, covenant, sacrifice. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 23:15
15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Analysis
No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him—Pilate invokes Herod's examination as corroborating evidence of innocence. The phrase nothing worthy of death is done unto him (οὐδὲν ἄξιον θανάτου ἐστὶν πεπραγμένον αὐτῷ, ouden axion thanatou estin pepragmenon autō) employs the perfect passive participle pepragmenon—'has been done' with ongoing results. Pilate declares no capital crime exists in Jesus's record—neither Herod nor himself found anything deserving execution.
This dual testimony (Pilate and Herod) fulfills the Deuteronomic requirement: 'at the mouth of two witnesses...shall the matter be established' (Deuteronomy 19:15). Ironically, two hostile witnesses establish Jesus's innocence, while the Sanhedrin's false witnesses failed to establish guilt (Mark 14:56-59). The phrase axios thanatou (worthy of death) echoes Roman legal language and appears in Paul's defense (Acts 25:11, 25, 26:31)—Luke consistently demonstrates Christianity's innocence before Roman law.
Historical Context
Herod Antipas's concurrence with Pilate's verdict carried political weight. Though subordinate to Rome, Herod governed Galilee with significant autonomy and knew Jesus's ministry firsthand. His sending Jesus back to Pilate without sentencing effectively constituted acquittal—he found no basis for execution. This collaboration would soon cement their friendship (v. 12), united in their treatment of Christ.
Reflection
- How does the double testimony of Pilate and Herod to Jesus's innocence intensify the guilt of those who demanded his death?
- What does it mean that Jesus was found worthy of death by false religious accusers but innocent by pagan political authorities?