Lucas 23
J.C. Ryle · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 23
Ryle adds that insisting "literally, means, 'they grew more strong, more violent, more urgent: they persisted in their accusation.' (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) He stirs up the people - Stirs up (383) is the rare verb (found only here and Mk 15:11+ = where ironically the Jews were guilty of what they accused Jesus!) anaseio which literally means shaking up and down, and figuratively (as here) to incite, often with the sense of inciting a crowd to mob action or of causing an uproar. The Jews used the present tense which pictures Jesus as continually seeking to foment a riot among the Jewish populace. An absurd charge! Vincent on stirs up - The increased urgency is shown by the use of a stronger word (anaseio) than perverteth (diastrepho) (Lk 23:2KJV). Teaching all over Judea - Well, in one sense the Jews were correct, for Jesus' teaching was radical, such as His Sermon on the Mount, where He repeatedly declared to the Jews "You have heard..." (referring to the OT Law - e.g., Mt 5:21, 27, 33, 38, 43, etc) and then adding "But I say..." as He taught them that God was not interested only in external obedience to the Law but desired internal obedience, obedience which is possible only in a renewed, regenerate (Spirit enabled) heart. And so Jesus did indeed get a "reaction" from the crowd for "when Jesus had finished these words (Sermon on the Mount), the multitudes were amazed (ekplesso - struck out of their senses, struck with astonishment.) But His teaching was never to stir up the people to rebellion or insurrection as the Jews insinuated but to stir them to a recognition of their inability to keep the Law in their own power and to show them their desperate need to be born again (Jn 3:3-8). Teaching (present tense) (1321)(didasko) means to teach a student in such a way that the will of the student becomes conformed to the teaching taught. So the teacher teaches in such a way that as the student is taught, he or she now changes his or her mind saying in essence ''I won't do it this way, but I will do it this way because I've learned this doctrine or this teaching.'' Doctrine determines direction of our behavior, either conformed to this passing world or to conformed to the image of Jesus and transformed by the Spirit (cf Ro 12:2+)? Teaching that Scripture finds significant (which pleases the Father) is not that which provides only correct information but that teaching which leads to correct behavior, supernaturally transforming disciples enabling them by the Spirit to be responsive and obedient to God's will, which is good and acceptable and perfect. Note that in their accusation, the Jews used the present tense which is appropriate and accurate because teaching was Jesus' continual activity (and should be ours as imitators of Him, 1 Cor 11:1+, 1 Jn 2:6+), Luke recording that even in the last days of His earthly life "during the day He was teaching in the Temple." (Lk 21:37+) O God, grant us each the amazing necessary grace by Your Spirit to be found continually teaching (or preaching) the Word of truth (with out lips and our lives) up to the very last moment when You come to take us home in Christ. Amen Starting from Galilee even as far as this place (See Jesus' Ministry in Galilee ) - The mention of Galilee was intended to excite Pilate's prejudice against Jesus, because Galilee was noted as a hotbed of insurrection. The Jews were accurate in their assertion that Jesus' teaching had started in Galilee, just as they were accurate in accusing Jesus of teaching all over Judea. But they distorted the truth by adding falsehood (i.e., He stirs up the people), lies that were aimed at "stirring up" Pilate to prosecute Jesus! In mixing their lies with the truth, they were imitating their father, for as Jesus had explained to the "believing" (Jn 8:30-31) Jews (who were actually unbelieving - Jn 8:45-47)... “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning (JESUS WILL SOON BE MURDERED), and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (Jn 8:44) J C Ryle adds - False witness and slander are two favorite weapons of the devil. He was a liar from the beginning, and is still the father of lies. (John 8:44.) When he finds that he cannot stop God’s work, his next device is to blacken the character of God’s servants, and to destroy the value of their testimony. With this weapon he assaulted David: “False witnesses,” he says, “did rise against me: they laid to my charge things that I knew not.” With this weapon he assaulted the prophets. Elijah was a “troubler of Israel!” Jeremiah was a man who “sought not the welfare of the people but the hurt!” (Psalm 35:11; 1 Kings 18:17; Jer. 38:4.) With this weapon he assaulted the apostles. They were “pestilent fellows,” and men who “turned the world upside down.” (Acts 24:5; 17:6.) With this weapon he assaulted our Lord all through His ministry. He stirred up his agents to call Him a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a Samaritan and a devil. (Luke 7:34; John 8:48.) And here, in the verses before us, we find him plying his old weapon to the very last. Jesus is arraigned before Pilate upon charges which are utterly untrue. The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord. When He who was holy, harmless, and undefiled, was foully slandered, who can expect to escape? “If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call them of his household?” (Matt. 10:25.) Nothing is too bad to be reported against a saint. Perfect innocence is no fence against enormous lying, calumny, and misrepresentation. The most blameless character will not secure us against false tongues. We must bear the trial patiently. It is part of the cross of Christ. We must sit still, lean back on God’s promises, and believe that in the long run truth will prevail. “Rest in the Lord,” says David, “and wait patiently for Him.”—“He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:6, 7.) (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) Luke 23:6 But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. KJV Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. a Galilean Lk 13:1; Acts 5:37 Luke 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Trial & Crucifixion of Jesus - Parallel Passages - to arrange the events chronologically and bring out details unique to each Gospel "GOOD NEWS" TO THE EARS OF PILATE! Note on the sequence - The first trial is over and the verdict from Pilate is not guilty. Luke alone describes the second phase of Jesus' civil trial before Herod. (Lk 23:6-12). Recall that it is still relatively early in the morning (between 6-9 AM). But when Pilate heard it - Pilate's not guilty verdict had only energized the crowd to cry out new accusations against Jesus. Pilate must have felt trapped. He could not risk another major problem with the Jews, lest he be relieved of his post by Rome. But when Pilate, ever the shrewd politician, heard that Jesus had begun His ministry in Galilee, it was like "music to his ears," for now he could send Him to Herod and let Herod give the verdict on Jesus. It was not an unusual procedure in Roman law to transfer a prisoner from the territory where he had been arrested to his place of origin. And while this was "good news" to the ears of Pilate, sadly he lacked the heart to perceive the true "good news" that was standing in front of him in Jesus. He asked whether the man was a Galilean - Matthew recorded the testimony of the Jews regarding Jesus writing "And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee (map).”." (Mt 21:11, cf Mt 2:23, Mt 26:69, Mt 27:55, Mk 1:9, etc) This was Pilate's opportunity to get Jesus off his hands. Related Resource: Who were the Galileans in the Bible? What trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion? Luke 23:7 And when he learned that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time. KJV Luke 23:7 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. Herod Lk 3:1; 13:31 See Trial & Crucifixion of Jesus - Parallel Passages - to arrange the events chronologically and bring out details unique to each Gospel THE SECOND CIVIL TRIAL BEFORE HEROD And when he learned that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction - Pilate saw the opportunity to make his "problem," Herod's "problem!" Most likely all of us have carried out similar actions so that we could avoid the difficulty or responsibility of a certain action or decision. Learned (1921)(epiginosko) means Herod had gained a thorough knowledge about Jesus' origin in Galilee and the fact that He was subject to Herod. Jurisdiction (1849)(exousia) in simple terms refers to the "right" and the "might," which fits perfectly with the English definition of jurisdiction which means the right and power to interpret and apply the law. Jurisdiction is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted legal body or to a political leader (HEROD ANTIPAS) to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility. He sent Him to Herod - Pilate shirks his personal responsibility. This is a classic example of the American idiom known as "passing the buck." Pilate was attempting to rid himself of his pesky problem by passing over this "presumptive Potentate" to the palace of Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. Festus did a similar thing bringing Paul before Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25:23-27). Vincent on sent Him - Lit., sent him up (ana). Used of sending up to a higher court. Compare Acts 25:21, of sending Paul to Caesar. It also means to send back, as in Lk 23:11, and Philemon 11. James Stalker comments that Pilate "acted at once on this idea; and, under the escort of Pilate’s soldiers, Jesus and His accusers were sent away to the ancient palace of the Maccabees, in which Herod used to reside on his visits to the Holy City. Thus was Jesus, on this day of shame, tossed, like a ball, from hand to hand—from Annas to Caiaphas, from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, with more to follow; and these weary marches in chains and in the custody of the officers of justice, with His persecutors about Him, are not to be forgotten in the catalogue of His sufferings." (Jesus and Herod) Who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time - Although Herod's father, Herod the Great, was only half Jewish (Josephus Antiquities 14.15.2), he may have come to Jerusalem because of the Jewish Passover (the Scriptures do not specifically state otherwise why Herod was in Jerusalem). It is interesting that the Jewish historian Josephus does mention that Herod Antipas was in Jerusalem during one feast (Josephus Antiquities 18.5.3). J C Ryle comments on Herod - This Herod was Herod Antipas the same Herod who killed John the Baptist. He was son of Herod the Great, who had all the children of two years and younger to be killed in Bethlehem. He was uncle of Herod Agrippa who killed the apostle James with the sword, and would have killed Peter if he had not been miraculously rescued from prison. The family of the Herods was Idumaean. They were all descended from Esau, the father of Edom. The detail is worth noting, when we see their constant opposition against Christ and his followers. The seed of Esau seems to carry on the old enmity against the seed of Jacob. (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels)
Lucas 23
Ryle - Herod had an uneasy conscience. The blood of God’s murdered saints, no doubt, rose often before his eyes, and destroyed his peace. The fame of our Lord’s preaching and miracles had penetrated even into his court. It was said that another witness against sin had risen up, who was even more faithful and bold than John the Baptist, and who confirmed his teaching by works which even the power of kings could not perform. These rumors made Herod restless and uncomfortable. No wonder that his curiosity was stirred, and he “wanted to see Christ.” (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) Because - Another term of explanation. What is Luke explaining? He had been hearing about Him - For example in Mt 9:24-25 when Jesus raised the girl from the dead "this news spread throughout ALL the land." (Mt 9:26, cf Mt 4:24, Mk 1:45+) Matthew writes "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news (cf Mt 13:54) about Jesus." (Mt 14:1+, cf Mk 6:14+) And was hoping to see some sign (semeion) performed by Him - He wanted to see a miraculous sign from this "Miracle Worker." Herod reminds me of some I have spoken with about the Gospel who said they would believe if they just saw some sign or miracle. Such focus is not on the Man and His plain, simple, saving Gospel, but on the signs and wonders which do not save a person. Sadly Herod was only interested in the sign or miracle but not the "Miracle Worker." There are many today like Herod who are more interested and intrigued by "signs and wonders" then they are about the God-Man Christ Jesus and so they missed one of the greatest of all miracles, the new birth. Sign (4592)(semeion) means a distinguishing mark by which something is known, in this case a sign by which SOMEONE (Jesus) is known. The sign serves like a pointer to aid perception and/or insight. sign—1. the sign or (distinguishing) mark by which something is known, token, indication Mt 16:3; 24:3, 30; Mk 13:4; Lk 2:12, 34; 11:29f; 21:7; Ro 4:11; 1 Cor 14:22; 2 Th 3:17. Signal Mt 26:48.—2. a sign consisting of a miracle or wonder—a. miracle of divine origin Mt 12:38f; 16:1, 4; Mk 8:11f; 16:17, 20; Lk 11:16, 29; 23:8; J 2:11, 18; 3:2; 4:48; 6:2, 14; 7:31; 9:16; Ac 2:22, 43; 4:16, 22; 14:3; Ro 15:19; 1 Cor 1:22; 2 Cor 12:12a; Hb 2:4.—b. miracle of a demonic nature Mk 13:22; 2 Th 2:9; Rv 13:13f; 16:14; 19:20 .—c. portent Lk 21:11, 25; Ac 2:19; Rv 12:1, 3; 15:1. [semio-, combining form as in semiology, semiotic] [ Luke records Now Herod the tetrarch (HEROD ANTIPAS) heard of all that was happening (Lk 9:1-6+); and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. 9 Herod said, “I myself had John beheaded (Read Mt 14:1-13, Mk 6:17-28, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28); but who is this man about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see Him (JESUS). (Luke 9:7-9+) Ryle - Let us learn from Herod’s case to pity great men. With all their greatness and apparent splendor, they are often thoroughly miserable within. Silks and satins and official robes, often cover hearts which are utter strangers to peace. That man knows not what he is wishing, who wishes to be a rich man.—Let us pray for rich men, as well as pity them. They carry weight in the race for eternal life. If they are saved, it can only be by the greatest miracles of God’s grace. Our Lord’s words are very solemn, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 19:24.) (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) Luke 23:9 And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. KJV Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. but He answered him nothing Lk 13:32; Ps 38:13,14; 39:1,2,9; Isaiah 53:7; Mt 7:6; 27:14; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 2:23 Luke 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Trial & Crucifixion of Jesus - Parallel Passages - to arrange the events chronologically and bring out details unique to each Gospel Related Passage: Isaiah 53:7+ (He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. HEROD INTERROGATES JESUS WHO REMAINS SILENT And he questioned Him at some length - The ESV is probably a better translation here - "So he questioned Him." The "so" functions as a term of conclusion. Based on the widespread news about Jesus' miracle working power and Herod's desire to see Him, Herod began to question or interrogate Jesus. Questioned is in the imperfect tense indicating that he questioned Jesus over and over, again and again. Stalker adds that "At once he addressed Him in the friendliest manner and questioned Him in many words. Apparently he quite forgot the purpose for which Pilate had sent Him." Questioned (imperfect tense = over and over)(1905)(eperotao) is a legal technical term meaning to interrogate. This same verb is used in Acts 5:27 where Peter, et al "stood them before the Council (and) The high priest questioned them." The high priest was interrogating the apostles, just as Jesus was being interrogated by Herod. Recall that this is a "trial" and presumably Herod is looking for some evidence to convict Jesus of a crime. But He answered him nothing - So just as Jesus had remained silent in the face of a barrage of false accusation from the Jews before Pilate after his first "not guilty" verdict (Mt 27:12-14, Mk 15:3-5, Lk 23:5), and once again He remained silent in the face of continual questioning by Herod. Try to picture this scene -- Herod tossing question after question at Jesus, but Jesus standing moot and majestic. Herod was not a nice man, and Jesus' reaction was sure to cause Herod to resort to an angry response, which in fact he did as described below. Stalker - It may be thought that Jesus ought to have spoken to Herod—that He missed an opportunity. Ought He not to have appealed to his conscience and attempted to rouse him to a sense of his sin? To this I answer that His silence was itself this appeal. Had there been a spark of conscience left in Herod, those Eyes looking him through and through, and that divine dignity measuring and weighing him, would have caused his sins to rise up out of the grave and overwhelm him. Jesus was silent, that the voice of the dead Baptist might be heard. If we understood it, the silence of Christ is the most eloquent of all appeals. Can you remember when you used to hear Him—when the words of the Book and the preacher used to move you in church, when the singing awoke aspiration, when the Sabbath was holy ground, when the Spirit of God strove with you? And is that all passed or passing away? Does Christ speak no more? There is such a spiritual insensibility. It means that the Spirit is ceasing to strive, and Christ to call. If it is creeping over you, it is time to be anxious; for it is for your life. J C Ryle comments that "Herod had heard the truth often from John the Baptist’s mouth. What he wanted (LACKED) was not more knowledge, but a heart and a will to act upon what he knew." (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) As
Lucas 23
Ryle - We are told that neither the ruler of Galilee nor the ruler of Judea could find any fault in our Lord. In Galilee most of his miracles had been performed, and he had spent much of his time there. Yet the ruler of Galilee accused him of nothing. He was to be crucified as 'a lamb without blemish or spot.' (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) THE FOUR EPISODES OF MOCKING THE KING OF KINGS TRIAL REFERENCE MOCKING/ABUSIVE ACTIONS Second Religious Trial Before Caiaphas Mt 26:57,67-68+ Lk 22:54, 63-65+ Spat in face, beat, slapped, told to prophesy who hit Him Beating, blindfolded and told to prophesy, blaspheming Second Civil Trial Before Herod Lk 23:8-12+ Treated with contempt Mocking Him Dressed in gorgeous robe Third Civil Trial Before Pilate Mt 27:27-31+ Mk 15:16-20+ Jn 19:1-3+ Stripped, put scarlet/purple robe Wove crown of thorns & put on His head Reed in right hand Beating head with reed Spitting on Him Kneeling and bowing down Acclaiming "Hail, King of the Jews" Blows to face On the Cross Mt 27:39-44+ Mk 15:29-32+ Luke 23:35-37+ Lk 23:39+ Mt 27:49+ Four groups - those passing by, religious leaders, the two criminals, soldiers Hurling abuse, wagging their heads If you are the Son of God come down from the cross Religious leaders mocking and sneering - cannot save Himself King come down from the cross & we will believe He trusts in God, let God deliver Him Soldiers mocked Him “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Robbers casting same insult - Are you the Christ? Save Yourself and us “Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.” Luke 23:12 Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other. KJV Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. Ps 83:4-6; Acts 4:27; Mt 16:1; Rev 17:13,14 Luke 23 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Trial & Crucifixion of Jesus - Parallel Passages - to arrange the events chronologically and bring out details unique to each Gospel ENEMIES BECOME FRIENDS Have you heard the word "frenemy"? It is a hybrid of friend and enemy, an apropos description of this passage. There is actually an entry in Wikipedia! Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day - Now the focus of their enmity is directed against Christ resulting in their newly minted friendship. It is a tragic commentary on these two pagan rulers that their friendship was cemented by a common rejection of Christ. Is this not still true that worldly men are brought together because of their hatred of the other worldly Christ. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. For before they had been enemies with each other - The nature of their prior enmity is unknown. The enemy of my enemy is my friend - This is an ancient proverb which suggests that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. The earliest known expression of this concept is found in a Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, the Arthashastra, which dates to around the 4th century BC, while the first recorded use of the current English version came in 1884. J C Ryle comments that "The incident before us is a striking emblem of a state of things which may always be seen in the world. Men of the most discordant opinions can unite in opposing truth. Teachers of the most opposite doctrines can make common cause in fighting against the Gospel. In the days of our Lord, the Pharisees and the Sadducces might be seen combining their forces to entrap Jesus of Nazareth and put Him to death. In our own times we sometimes see infidels and idolaters—worldly pleasure-lovers and bigoted ascetics,—the friends of so-called liberal views and the most determined opponents of all changes—all ranked together against evangelical religion. One common hatred binds them together. They hate the cross of Christ. To use the words of the apostles in the Acts: “Against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, are gathered together.” (Acts 4:27.) All hate each other very much, but all hate Christ much more. The true Christian must not count the enmity of the world a strange thing.(cf Jn 15:18, 19, 20) (Luke 23 - Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels) John