Luke 23:2  “…perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King”
Two lies and the truth.  And they had to add something to the truth.  To say that Jesus was the Christ would not have meant anything to Pilate, just a religious figure.  So they had to suggest He was calling Himself a king in rebellion against Caesar.  He didn’t pervert the nation nor did He forbid anyone to pay taxes.  Outright lies.

4  “…I find no fault in this Man”
Pilate knew they were spouting fluff.  He didn’t ask if Jesus was a king, but was He king of the Jews.  He considered it a religious issue, not the political threat the Pharisees suggested.

7  “…who was also in Jerusalem at that time”
I’ve never paid attention to that note about Herod, that he was in Jerusalem.  Always wondered how they got Jesus to him so quickly and back to Pilate.

8  “…he hoped to see some miracle done by Him”
Like a parlor trick.  You would think Herod would be afraid of Him after the affair with John.  His wickedness may have warped his mind by this time.

12  “…Pilate and Herod became friends…”
Wonder exactly why.  Could Herod think Pilate was trying to do him a favor?  Could Pilate think Herod was showing respect by sending Jesus back?  Commentary suggested Herod thought Pilate was showing respect for his jurisdiction over Jesus.  Sounds reasonable.

14  “…concerning those things of which you accuse Him”
Pilate knew the charges were lies.  No evidence.  Sent Him to Herod, and Herod couldn’t find anything either.

15  “…nothing deserving of death has been done by Him”
As clear as it gets.  Pilate was ruthless by reputation, but he apparently wasn’t in the habit of executing people for no reason.  To do so would have incited riots which the Roman hierarchy didn’t want.

19  “…certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder”
Barabbas on the other hand was a true criminal which Pilate would have wanted incarcerated or killed.  He had incited rebellion and apparently committed murder.

21  “But they shouted…”
Has always been the way with the mob.  When their agenda is defeated and they have no sound argument to win, they resort to shouting and rioting.  The hope is that some concession is granted just to stop them.  Blackmail by violence.  I’ve often wondered if total destruction would serve as a deterrent to others.  Problem is the true rioters are usually few in number and hard to distinguish from others.  No one wants to harm innocent or even semi-innocent participants.

23  “…the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed”
Pilate gave in to the blackmail.  Other gospels tell us some suggested he was crossing Caesar by not doing what they asked.  From this text it appears Pilate wanted to stop the rioting as quickly as possible.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.