13 And Pilate sent for the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, 14 You say that this man has been teaching the people evil things: now I, after going into the question before you, see nothing wrong in this man in connection with the things which you have said against him: 15 And Herod is of the same opinion, for he has sent him back to us; for, you see, he has done nothing for which I might put him to death. 16 And so I will give him punishment and let him go. 17 [] 18 But with loud voices they said all together, Put this man to death, and make Barabbas free. 19 Now this man was in prison because of an attack against the government in the town, in which there had been loss of life. 20 And Pilate again said to them that it was his desire to let Jesus go free. 21 But crying out they said, To the cross with him! 22 And he said to them a third time, Why, what evil has he done? I see no reason for putting him to death: I will give him punishment and let him go. 23 But they went on crying out loudly, Let him be put to death on the cross. And they had their way. 24 And Pilate gave his decision for their desire to be put into effect. 25 And in answer to their request, he let that man go free who had been in prison for acting against the government and causing death, and Jesus he gave up to their pleasure.
26 And while they were taking him away, they put their hands on Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and made him take the cross after Jesus.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 23:13-26
Commentary on Luke 23:13-25
(Read Luke 23:13-25)
The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.
Commentary on Luke 23:26-31
(Read Luke 23:26-31)
We have here the blessed Jesus, the Lamb of God, led as a lamb to the slaughter, to the sacrifice. Though many reproached and reviled him, yet some pitied him. But the death of Christ was his victory and triumph over his enemies: it was our deliverance, the purchase of eternal life for us. Therefore weep not for him, but let us weep for our own sins, and the sins of our children, which caused his death; and weep for fear of the miseries we shall bring upon ourselves, if we slight his love, and reject his grace. If God delivered him up to such sufferings as these, because he was made a sacrifice for sin, what will he do with sinners themselves, who make themselves a dry tree, a corrupt and wicked generation, and good for nothing! The bitter sufferings of our Lord Jesus should make us stand in awe of the justice of God. The best saints, compared with Christ, are dry trees; if he suffer, why may not they expect to suffer? And what then shall the damnation of sinners be! Even the sufferings of Christ preach terror to obstinate transgressors.