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 23:54
KJVAnd that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
Read it in context
Death and burial
Start reading at Luke 23:44 (Luke 23:44 to Luke 23:56).
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' death, the witnesses' reactions, and Joseph's burial establish the events and location preceding the resurrection account.
- 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
- 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
- 23:46 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.
- 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
- 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
- 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
- 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
- 23:51 (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.
- 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
- 23:53 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.
- 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
- 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
- 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
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? Death and burial. Read Luke 23:44 through Luke 23:56 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' death, the witnesses' reactions, and Joseph's burial establish the events and location preceding the resurrection account. 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 Death and burial (Luke 23:44 to Luke 23:56). Start reading at Luke 23:44. 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 23:44, Luke 23:56, 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 burial of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- And that day was the preparation, and the… Matt 27:62 John 19:14,31,42
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
On the way and on the cross
Luke 23:26–43FocusJudgment, 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 FocusWitnesses 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.