Luke 23:12
That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.
That day
The phrase "that day" refers to a specific moment in time, highlighting the significance of the events that transpired. In the context of Luke 23, this day is pivotal in the Passion narrative, marking the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Historically, this was a day of great tension and political maneuvering, as the Jewish leaders sought to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their authority and the Roman rulers aimed to maintain order. Theologically, "that day" signifies the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the suffering of His Son.

Herod and Pilate
Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate were two prominent political figures during the time of Jesus. Herod, a tetrarch of Galilee, was known for his complex relationship with the Jewish people and his role in the execution of John the Baptist. Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, was responsible for maintaining Roman law and order. The mention of both leaders underscores the political and social dynamics at play. Their involvement in Jesus' trial highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the intersection of divine sovereignty with human authority.

became friends
The phrase "became friends" is significant, as it indicates a change in the relationship between Herod and Pilate. Previously, they were at odds, likely due to political rivalry and differing interests in the region. However, their mutual involvement in the trial of Jesus brought them together. This newfound friendship, forged through shared complicity in the unjust treatment of Jesus, serves as a reminder of how worldly alliances can form around common interests, even when those interests are morally questionable.

with one another
The phrase "with one another" emphasizes the unity that developed between Herod and Pilate. This unity, however, was not based on righteousness or truth but on a shared participation in the events surrounding Jesus' trial. It serves as a cautionary tale about the nature of alliances formed for convenience or self-interest, rather than for the pursuit of justice or truth. In a broader sense, it reflects the human tendency to prioritize political expediency over moral integrity.

before this
The phrase "before this" provides a temporal context, indicating that the friendship between Herod and Pilate was a new development. Prior to the events of Jesus' trial, their relationship was marked by enmity. This change underscores the impact of Jesus' presence and the events of His trial on the political landscape of the time. It also highlights the irony that, while Jesus' mission was to bring reconciliation between God and humanity, His trial brought about a superficial reconciliation between two earthly rulers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, Herod was a ruler under Roman authority. He played a role in the trial of Jesus, showing interest in Jesus' miracles but ultimately mocking Him.

2. Pontius Pilate
The Roman governor of Judea, Pilate was responsible for overseeing the trial of Jesus. He found no fault in Jesus but succumbed to the pressure of the crowd.

3. The Reconciliation
Herod and Pilate, who had previously been at odds, became friends on the day of Jesus' trial. This event highlights the political dynamics and alliances formed during Jesus' crucifixion.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life and the location of Jesus' crucifixion.

5. The Trial of Jesus
This event is a pivotal moment in the Passion account, where Jesus is brought before various authorities, leading to His crucifixion.
Teaching Points
The Irony of Unity in Opposition
Herod and Pilate's newfound friendship was based on their mutual involvement in the trial of Jesus. This illustrates how opposition to Christ can unite even former enemies. Believers should be aware of how worldly alliances can form against godly principles.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The collaboration between Herod and Pilate fulfills the prophetic words about the Messiah being rejected by rulers. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans despite human opposition.

The Influence of Political Power
The interaction between Herod and Pilate shows how political power can be used to manipulate justice. Christians are called to stand firm in truth and righteousness, even when political pressures are strong.

The Role of Divine Providence
Despite the apparent chaos and injustice, God's providence is at work. Believers can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the reconciliation between Herod and Pilate illustrate the nature of worldly alliances against Christ? Can you think of modern examples where opposition to Christian values has united unlikely allies?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy in the events of Jesus' trial strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

3. How can Christians today navigate political pressures while maintaining their commitment to truth and justice, as seen in the trial of Jesus?

4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced God's providence in a situation that seemed unjust or chaotic. How did it impact your faith?

5. How can the account of Herod and Pilate's alliance encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty in your own life, especially when facing opposition?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 2
This Psalm speaks of rulers conspiring against the Lord and His Anointed, which can be seen in the alliance between Herod and Pilate.

Acts 4:27-28
This passage reflects on how Herod and Pilate, along with others, were gathered against Jesus, fulfilling God's predetermined plan.

Matthew 27:19-24
Pilate's struggle with the decision to crucify Jesus is detailed, showing his internal conflict and the external pressures he faced.
Jesus Vindicated by His EnemiesR.M. Edgar Luke 23:1-25
The Majesty of Meekness, EtcW. Clarkson Luke 23:4-12
Divine ReserveJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 23:8-12
Herod Antipas: Religious CuriosityBishop Win. Alexander.Luke 23:8-12
Imitating the Silence of ChristW. Baxendale.Luke 23:8-12
Our Lord Before HerodC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 23:8-12
Remarkable ReticenceH. O. Mackay.Luke 23:8-12
The Silence of JesusW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 23:8-12
People
Barabbas, Herod, Jesus, Joseph, Pilate, Simon
Places
Arimathea, Cyrene, Galilee, Golgotha, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Enemies, Enmity, Friends, Herod, Pilate, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 23:12

     6718   reconciliation, believers

Luke 23:2-25

     5593   trial

Luke 23:4-25

     5349   injustice, examples

Luke 23:7-12

     2545   Christ, opposition to
     5366   king

Luke 23:11-12

     2585   Christ, trial

Library
A Soul's Tragedy
'Then Herod questioned with Him in many words; but He answered him nothing.'--LUKE xxiii. 9. Four Herods play their parts in the New Testament story. The first of them is the grim old tiger who slew the infants at Bethlehem, and soon after died. This Herod is the second--a cub of the litter, with his father's ferocity and lust, but without his force. The third is the Herod of the earlier part of the Acts of the Apostles, a grandson of the old man, who dipped his hands in the blood of one Apostle,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Dying Thief
'And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.'--LUKE xxiii, 42. There is an old and true division of the work of Christ into three parts--prophet, priest, and king. Such a distinction manifestly exists, though it may be overestimated, or rather, the statement of it may be exaggerated, if it be supposed that separate acts of His discharge these separate functions, and that He ceases to be the one before He becomes the other. Rather it is true that all His work is prophetic,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

'The Rulers Take Counsel Together'
'And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate. 2. And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ a King. 3. And Pilate asked Him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And He answered him and said, Thou sayest it. 4. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. 5. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people teaching
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Jesus and Pilate
'And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14. Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I having examined Him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse Him: 15. No, nor yet Herod; for I sent you to him: and lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto Him. 16. I will therefore chastise Him, and release Him. 17. (For of necessity he must release one unto them
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Words from the Cross
'And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots. 35. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided Him, saying, He saved others; let Him save Himself, if He be Christ, the chosen of God. 36. And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him and offering
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The First Word
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." ST. LUKE XXIII. 34. 1. Here we are watching the behaviour of the Son of God, the Ideal and Ground of Divine Sonship in humanity. Is this supreme example of forgiveness an example to us? Is it not something unnatural to humanity as we know it? We must recall, from a former address, the distinction which we then drew between the animal in us, with its self-assertive instincts, and the Divine in us, that which constitutes us not animal merely,
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Second Word
"Verily I say unto thee, To-day thou shall be with Me in Paradise." ST. LUKE XXIII. 43. We judge of any power by the results which it effects. We gain some knowledge of the power of steam by its capacity to drive a huge mass of steel and wood weighing twenty thousand tons through the water at the rate of twenty knots an hour. There we have some standard by which we can gauge the force which sends our earth round the sun at twenty-five miles a second, or that which propels a whole solar system through
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Seventh Word
"Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit." ST. LUKE XXIII. 46. The consummation of sacrifice, the union of the human will with the Divine, leads to the perfect rest in God. 1. We have tried to deal with the Seven Words as constituting a revelation of the Divine Sonship of humanity. From this point of view it is significant that the first and the last begin, like the Lord's Prayer, with a direct address to the Father. The service of the Christian man is that of a son in his father's house, of
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

March the Twenty-Seventh the Silence of Jesus
"He answered him nothing!" --LUKE xxiii. 1-12. And yet, "Ask, and it shall be given you!" Yes, but everything depends upon the asking. Even in the realm of music there is a rudeness of approach which leaves true music silent. Whether the genius of music is to answer us or not depends upon our "touch." Herod's "touch" was wrong, and there was no response. Herod was flippant, and the Eternal was dumb. And I, too, may question a silent Lord. In the spiritual realm an idle curiosity is never permitted
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Saviour's Last Hours.
(Preached on Good Friday.) "Praise and thanks be to Him who lifted up the Saviour on the cross as the bringer of salvation, that thereby He might glorify Him with heavenly glory! Praise and honour be to Him who by His obedience even unto death has become the Author of our faith, that so He may be able, as a faithful high-priest, to represent before God those whom He is not ashamed to call His brethren. Amen." TEXT: LUKE xxiii. 44-49. THE habit of expecting to find great events accompanied by strange
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The First Cry from the Cross
"Long as they live should Christians pray, For only while they pray they live." To cease from prayer is to renounce the consolations which our case requires. Under all distractions of spirit, and overwhelmings of heart, great God, help us still to pray, and never from the mercy-seat may our footsteps be driven by despair. Our blessed Redeemer persevered in prayer even when the cruel iron rent his tender nerves, and blow after blow of the hammer jarred his whole frame with anguish; and this perseverance
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 15: 1869

The Believing Thief
Remember, beloved friends, that our Lord Jesus, at the time he saved this malefactor, was at his lowest. His glory had been ebbing out in Gethsemane, and before Caiaphas, and Herod, and Pilate; but it had now reached the utmost low-water mark. Stripped of his garments, and nailed to the cross, our Lord was mocked by a ribald crowd, and was dying in agony: then was he "numbered with the transgressors," and made as the offscouring of all things. Yet, while in that condition, he achieved this marvellous
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

Christ's Plea for Ignorant Sinners
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."--Luke 23:34. WHAT tenderness we have here; what self-forgetfulness; what almighty love! Jesus did not say to those who crucified him, "Begone!" One such word, and they must have all fled. When they came to take him in the garden, they went backward, and fell to the ground, when he spoke but a short sentence; and now that he is on the cross, a single syllable would have made the whole company fall to the ground, or flee away
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Exodus iii. 6
And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. LUKE xxiii. 30. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains. Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. These two passages occur, the one in the first lesson of this morning's service, the other in the second. One or other of them must have been, or must be, the case of you, of me, of every soul of man that lives or has lived since the world began. There must be a time in the existence of every human being when he will fear God. But
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

The Penitent Thief
LUKE xxiii. 42, 43. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise. The story of the penitent thief is a most beautiful and affecting one. Christians' hearts, in all times, have clung to it for comfort, not only for themselves, but for those whom they loved. Indeed, some people think that we are likely to be too fond of the story. They have been afraid lest people should build
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
Louis Bourdaloue was born at Bourges, in 1632. At the age of sixteen he entered the order of the Jesuits and was thoroughly educated in the scholarship, philosophy and theology of the day. He devoted himself entirely to the work of preaching, and was ten times called upon to address Louis XIV and his court from the pulpit as Bossuet's successor. This was an unprecedented record and yet Bourdaloue could adapt his style to any audience, and "mechanics left their shops, merchants their business, and
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Vol. 2

The Hands of the Father.
"Father, into thy hand I commend my spirit."--St Luke xxiii. 46. Neither St Matthew nor St Mark tells us of any words uttered by our Lord after the Eloi. They both, along with St Luke, tell us of a cry with a loud voice, and the giving up of the ghost; between which cry and the giving up, St Luke records the words, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." St Luke says nothing of the Eloi prayer of desolation. St John records neither the Eloi, nor the Father into thy hands, nor the loud
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

The Last Season
which I shall mention, in which the heart must be kept with all diligence, is when we are warned by sickness that our dissolution is at hand. When the child of God draws nigh to eternity, the adversary makes his last effort; and as he cannot win the soul from God, as he cannot dissolve the bond which unites the soul to Christ, his great design is to awaken fears of death, to fill the mind with aversion and horror at the thoughts of dissolution from the body. Hence, what shrinking from a separation,
John Flavel—On Keeping the Heart

Second Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Herod Antipas.
(Jerusalem. Early Friday Morning.) ^C Luke XXIII. 6-12. ^c 6 But when Pilate heard it [when he heard that Jesus had begun his operations in Galilee], he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction [Herod was tetrarch of Galilee--Luke iii. 1], he sent him unto Herod, who himself also ["also" includes both Pilate and Herod, neither of whom lived at Jerusalem] was at Jerusalem in these days. ["These days" refers to the passover season. Pilate had come
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Dead with Christ.
Gal. 2:20.--I am crucified with Christ. The Revised Version properly has the above text "I have been crucified with Christ." In this connection, let us read the story of a man who was literally crucified with Christ. We may use all the narrative of Christ's work upon earth in the flesh as a type of His spiritual work. Let us take in this instance the story of the penitent thief, Luke 23:39-43, for I think we may learn from him how to live as men who are crucified with Christ. Paul says: "I have been
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual Communion with God, or Being in his Fear all the Day Long.
1. A letter to a pious friend on this subject introduced here.--2. General plan of directions.--3. For the beginning of the day.--4. Lifting up the heart to God at our first awakening.--5, 10. Setting ourselves to the secret devotions of the morning, with respect to which particular advice is given.--11. For the progress of the day.--12. Directions are given concerning seriousness in devotion.--13. Diligence in business.--14. Prudence in recreations.--15. Observations of Providence.--16. Watchfulness
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The First Word from the Cross
In the last chapter we saw the impressions made by the crucifixion on the different groups round the cross. On the soldiers, who did the deed, it made no impression at all; they were absolutely blind to the wonder and glory of the scene in which they were taking part. On the members of the Sanhedrim, and the others who thought with them, it had an extraordinary effect: the perfect revelation of goodness and spiritual beauty threw them into convulsions of angry opposition. Even the group of the
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

Things Omitted from Mark's Gospel.
1. Just as the skill of a master artist is discovered in the objects which he leaves out of his picture (the amateur crowding in everything on to the canvass for which he can find room), so the discerning eye at once detects the handiwork of the Holy Spirit in the various things which are included and omitted from different parts of the Word. Notably is this the case with Mark's Gospel. Here we find no Genealogy at the commencement, as in Matthew; the miraculous Conception is omitted, and there is
Arthur W. Pink—Why Four Gospels?

Barabbas
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas."--ST LUKE xxiii. 18. You have heard a crowd of people cry out all at once. It is always impressive, it is sometimes very terrible, occasionally it is sublime. It begins in a way that no one can explain. Somebody in the crowd utters a name, or ejaculates a brief sentence. What happens? Often nothing at all. Men are not in the mood for it; it drops unnoticed, or provokes
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

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