Luke 23:1-16 ▼

1 Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate.

2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”

3 So Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5 But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people all over Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee and has come all the way here.”

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.

7 And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased. He had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a miracle.

9 Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He gave no answer.

10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.

11 And even Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.

12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.

13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,

14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him here in your presence and found Him not guilty of your charges against Him.

15 Neither has Herod, for he sent Him back to us. As you can see, He has done nothing deserving of death.

16 Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”