Before Pilate and Herod
Luke 23:1–25FocusInnocence and condemnation
Connection to the wholeThe hearings repeatedly raise Jesus' innocence, yet the demand for His death prevails and Barabbas is released.
interpretation Luke 23:41
KJVAnd we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Read it in context
On the way and on the cross
Start reading at Luke 23:26 (Luke 23:26 to Luke 23:43).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus addresses the mourners and those around the cross, while the two malefactors display contrasting responses to Him.
- 23:26 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.
- 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
- 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
- 23:29 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.
- 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
- 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
- 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
- 23:33 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.
- 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
- 23:35 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.
- 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
- 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
- 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
- 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
- 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
- 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
- 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
- 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 23:1–23:56): Pilate, Herod, religious leaders, crowds, soldiers, two criminals, women followers, and Joseph of Arimathaea appear in the trial, death, and burial accounts. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? On the way and on the cross. Read Luke 23:26 through Luke 23:43 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus addresses the mourners and those around the cross, while the two malefactors display contrasting responses to Him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in On the way and on the cross (Luke 23:26 to Luke 23:43). Start reading at Luke 23:26. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 23:26, Luke 23:43, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The crucifixion and death of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These accounts select different sayings and details; the comparison does not supply an inferred sequence for all of them.
Related passages
- we indeed Luke 15:18-19 Lev 26:40-41 Josh 7:19-20 2 Chr 33:12 Ezra 9:13 Neh 9:3 Dan 9:4 Jas 4:7
- but Luke 23:41 Luke 22:69-70 Matt 27:4,19,24,54 1 Pet 1:19
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 23
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusJudgment, mercy, and appeal
Connection to the wholeJesus addresses the mourners and those around the cross, while the two malefactors display contrasting responses to Him.
interpretation Death and burial
Luke 23:44–56FocusWitnesses and preparation
Connection to the wholeJesus' death, the witnesses' reactions, and Joseph's burial establish the events and location preceding the resurrection account.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.