Luke 23:15 is part of Pilate's attempt to release Jesus during his trial before the crucifixion. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Neither has Herod..." This refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod earlier in the trial because Jesus was from Galilee, which was under Herod's jurisdiction. Pilate was hoping Herod would take responsibility for judging Jesus.
"...for I sent you to him..." This is Pilate reminding the crowd that he, Pilate, had already sent Jesus to Herod. He's emphasizing that the decision wasn't solely his.
"...and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him." This is the crucial part. Pilate is stating that Herod Antipas also found no reason to condemn Jesus to death. Herod, despite having the opportunity, did not find Jesus guilty of any crime that deserved capital punishment. Herod, according to the Gospel account, merely questioned Jesus, mocked him, and then sent him back to Pilate.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Pilate's attempt to avoid responsibility: He's trying to deflect blame by pointing out that another authority (Herod) also didn't find Jesus deserving of death.
The assertion of Jesus's innocence (at least according to Pilate and Herod): Both rulers, despite their political motives, could not find sufficient grounds to condemn Jesus to death based on the charges brought against him. They saw nothing that warranted capital punishment under Roman or Jewish law.
Context is important:
It's important to remember the political context. Pilate was trying to appease the Jewish leaders who were demanding Jesus's crucifixion. He likely knew Jesus was innocent but feared the unrest that a full acquittal might cause. This verse is part of Pilate's complicated strategy to navigate this difficult situation.
Luke 23:15 is part of Pilate's attempt to release Jesus during his trial before the crucifixion. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Neither has Herod..." This refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod earlier in the trial because Jesus was from Galilee, which was under Herod's jurisdiction. Pilate was hoping Herod would take responsibility for judging Jesus.
"...for I sent you to him..." This is Pilate reminding the crowd that he, Pilate, had already sent Jesus to Herod. He's emphasizing that the decision wasn't solely his.
"...and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him." This is the crucial part. Pilate is stating that Herod Antipas also found no reason to condemn Jesus to death. Herod, despite having the opportunity, did not find Jesus guilty of any crime that deserved capital punishment. Herod, according to the Gospel account, merely questioned Jesus, mocked him, and then sent him back to Pilate.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Pilate's attempt to avoid responsibility: He's trying to deflect blame by pointing out that another authority (Herod) also didn't find Jesus deserving of death.
The assertion of Jesus's innocence (at least according to Pilate and Herod): Both rulers, despite their political motives, could not find sufficient grounds to condemn Jesus to death based on the charges brought against him. They saw nothing that warranted capital punishment under Roman or Jewish law.
Context is important:
It's important to remember the political context. Pilate was trying to appease the Jewish leaders who were demanding Jesus's crucifixion. He likely knew Jesus was innocent but feared the unrest that a full acquittal might cause. This verse is part of Pilate's complicated strategy to navigate this difficult situation.