Luke 23:6-10

Luke 23:6 (KJB)
When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.

As soon as Pilate heard the region of Galilee, he then inquired as to whether Jesus was a Galilean. There were many Galileans who had come to the feast and it was these who stayed in the Mount of Olives and other outdoor places and the same ones who welcomed Jesus in His triumphal entry into the city. They had thought Jesus to be a Galilean because He spent so much time ministering in that region but the fact is that He was born in Bethlehem of Judah. (Micah 5:2 KJV) But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Luke 23:7 (KJB)
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.

Then Pilate had thought that Jesus was a Galilean and as a result he sent Him to Herod who was at the feast in Jerusalem at that time. This was Herod Antipas who was the son of Herod the Great. It was he that beheaded John the Baptist. Pilate was hoping that Herod could adjudicate the matter of Jesus and bring that problem to an end. Pilate also used this as a political ploy showing that he had respect for the office of Herod. He also probably thought that it was a good way to appease his wife who had terrible dreams about Jesus. (Mat 27:19 KJV) When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Luke 23:8 (KJB)
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Herod no doubt heard much about Jesus from his sessions with John the Baptist. Herod wanted to see Jesus and meet Him for a long time because he heard many things about Him especially the fact that He did many miracles. Now he had the chance to meet Jesus and he had hoped that Jesus would perform some type of miracle. Herod had also thought that Jesus was John the Baptist who was risen from the dead. (Luke 9:7 KJV) Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; Herod was now able to dispel that rumor.

Luke 23:9 (KJB)
Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.

Then Herod began to ask Jesus many questions because I am sure that he had many questions to ask Him. In His normal fashion, He did not answer Herod a word nor did He work any type of miracle in His presence. Jesus knew that Herod was not questioning Him with a sincere heart. If Jesus would have performed a miracle, then perhaps Herod would have been so impressed that he might have let Jesus go free.

Luke 23:10 (KJB)
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.

The chief priests were probably getting nervous that maybe Herod might have allowed Jesus to go free. He was discouraged when he had John the Baptist beheaded because he enjoyed listening to him. (Mark 6:20 KJV) For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. Herod was probably thinking that he does not want to make that mistake twice, even though the scribes and the chief priests were intensifying their accusations against Him. He was no doubt pondering what he should do.

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