Luke 23:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when he learned that he belonged to Herod 's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.

NIV: When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

NASB: And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, since he also was in Jerusalem at this time.

CSB: Finding that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

NLT: When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Pilate is trying to free himself from a dilemma. Jewish religious and civil leaders of Jerusalem have brought him a traveling teacher named Jesus. They accuse Him of such vague and unprovable crimes that Pilate is at a loss. Despite what the leaders—and the crowds they have gathered—say, Pilate knows Jesus is innocent. He doesn't keep Jews from paying their taxes, He isn't leading a rebellion, and He isn't trying to install Himself as king (Luke 23:1–4).

During their appeals, Jewish leaders reveal that Jesus has ties to Galilee. Pilate seizes on this idea. Herod Antipas is the tetrarch, or "leader of a quarter," of Galilee. Judea is Pilate's own territory: he knows Jesus hasn't caused any threatening disturbances. If He has caused issues in Galilee, it's Antipas's problem. So, Pilate sends Jesus to Antipas who just happens to be in Jerusalem for Passover (Luke 23:5–6).

"Herod" is a family name. In the Bible, it's used by Herod the Great (Matthew 2; Luke 1:5), Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12), and Herod Agrippa II (Acts 23:35). It is most often used of Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great and tetrarch over Galilee and Perea at the time of Jesus' ministry. Antipas is also referred to as "king" although the emperor never gave him that rank.

It is Antipas who is married to the wife of his brother Philip (Mark 6:17). Upon the death of Herod the Great, Antipas, Archelaus, Philip, and Salome were given authority over his territory. About ten years later, Archelaus lost his authority; his territory, Judea, was placed under a series of Roman governors, including Pilate.

Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea for over forty years. John the Baptist, who seems to have worked around the Jordan River between Judea and Perea, condemned Antipas for his adultery and crimes against his brother. Antipas arrested and eventually killed John (Mark 6:17–29).

When Jesus' fame reaches Antipas, he is puzzled and half-believes John has risen from the dead (Mark 6:16). Pilate gives Antipas the chance to speak with this man he's heard so much of.

In Luke 23:6–12, Pilate discovers Jesus is from Galilee. So, he sends Him to Herod Antipas who is also in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin charged Jesus with crimes which Pilate thinks are meaningless. Pilate hopes Antipas can uncover the truth (Luke 23:1–5). Antipas is delighted to have a chance to speak with Jesus. But he becomes disappointed when Jesus refuses to speak—even as council members shout their accusations. Antipas returns Jesus to Pilate, and the two become fast friends, although Pilate still has the Sanhedrin to deal with. Luke is the only gospel writer to include Jesus' trial before Antipas.

Luke 23 records the remaining trials, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. He is examined by the Roman governor and the local appointed King, neither of whom are interested in passing a death sentence. Local religious leaders incite the crowd, pressuring the governor, Pilate, to authorize crucifixion. Jesus accepts the faith of another condemned man and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for Jesus body and buries it in a tomb cut from rock.

Luke 23 records Jesus' civil trials, crucifixion, and burial. The members of the Sanhedrin have put Jesus through three trials in their attempt to convince Pilate He's a threat (Luke 22:47–71). Their case is weak, but their political influence is powerful enough to force Pilate's hand. Jesus is executed. Three days after Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus, Jesus reappears on the road to Emmaus where He explains Messianic prophecies in Jewish Scriptures. After spending time with His followers, Jesus ascends into heaven (Luke 24) and the disciples build the church (Acts).

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.