Luke 23:16

I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

I will {G3811} therefore {G3767} chastise {G3811} him {G846}, and release {G630} him.

Therefore, what I will do is have him flogged and release him.”

Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”

I will therefore chastise him, and release him.

Commentary

Luke 23:16 captures a pivotal moment in the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate. This verse reveals Pilate's attempt to navigate the intense political pressure from the Jewish religious leaders and the demanding crowd, while personally acknowledging Jesus' innocence.

Context of Luke 23:16

Following multiple interrogations, Pilate had declared Jesus innocent of any wrongdoing deserving of death (see Luke 23:4 and Luke 23:14-15). Despite this, the chief priests and multitude vehemently insisted on His crucifixion. As a compromise, Pilate proposes a middle ground: to "chastise him, and release [him]." This suggestion was an appeal to the traditional Passover custom of releasing a prisoner, hoping to satisfy the crowd's demand for action against Jesus without condemning an innocent man to death. However, the crowd's preference for Barabbas, a notorious criminal, over Jesus, highlighted the depth of their animosity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Compromise and Injustice: Pilate's proposal to chastise Jesus, despite finding no fault in Him, is a clear act of injustice driven by fear and political expediency. It reveals the danger of compromising truth and righteousness for convenience or public appeasement.
  • Political Expediency: Pilate's primary concern was likely to maintain order and avoid an uprising, rather than upholding pure justice. His actions underscore how political pressures can corrupt moral judgment.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Even amidst this profound injustice, God's sovereign plan was unfolding. Pilate's actions, though wicked, unwittingly contributed to the foretold suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, leading to salvation for humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "chastise" translates the Greek verb paideuō (παιδεύω). While it can mean to educate or discipline, in this context, it refers to a severe physical punishment, such as flogging or scourging. This was a brutal form of Roman punishment, often preceding crucifixion, intended to inflict pain and public humiliation. Pilate's intention was to inflict enough suffering to satisfy the crowd's bloodlust without resorting to the death penalty, a cruel irony given Jesus' innocence.

Cross-References & Connections

This verse is closely tied to the broader narrative of Jesus' trial. Pilate's repeated declarations of innocence are found across the Gospels, including John 18:38 and John 19:4. The choice between Jesus and Barabbas is described in detail in Luke 23:18-19 and parallel accounts like Matthew 27:21. Ultimately, Pilate succumbs to the crowd's will, leading to the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus, a tragic fulfillment of prophecy.

Practical Application

Luke 23:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of moral compromise and the pressure to conform to popular opinion, even when it contradicts justice and truth. It challenges believers to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing significant opposition. Furthermore, it highlights the profound depth of Christ's suffering, enduring unjust punishment for the sins of humanity, underscoring the sacrificial love at the heart of the Gospel.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 27:26 (6 votes)

    ¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

  • Luke 23:22 (5 votes)

    And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let [him] go.

  • Mark 15:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

  • John 19:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged [him].

  • John 19:4 (3 votes)

    Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

  • Acts 16:37 (3 votes)

    But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

  • Acts 5:40 (3 votes)

    And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.