Luke 23:12
And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This seemingly minor detail reveals a stunning irony: the very event meant to condemn Jesus paradoxically united two powerful enemies. Their newfound friendship, forged in contempt and mockery of Christ, highlights how the world often bands together against God's purposes, even while disagreeing on everything else.
After Pilate learns Jesus is from Galilee, he sends Him to Herod Antipas, who is in Jerusalem for Passover. Herod questions Jesus extensively, hoping to see a miracle, but Jesus remains silent, leading Herod and his soldiers to mock Him before sending Him back to Pilate. This shared contempt and the political courtesy of Pilate sending Jesus to Herod then back again surprisingly resolved their long-standing hostility, making them friends.
Have you ever noticed how some old rivalries can suddenly vanish? This verse points to a surprising truce, but the reason is deeply unsettling.
Luke 23:12 records a dramatic shift: Pilate and Herod, who were enemies, become friends on the very day they both interact with Jesus.
The Background Feud
While the exact cause of their quarrel isn't stated, many scholars believe it stemmed from an incident where Pilate's soldiers killed Galileans while they were sacrificing. Since Herod was the ruler of Galilee, this would have been a direct affront to his authority and subjects.
The Uniting Force
Their newfound friendship wasn't born of mutual respect or shared values. Instead, it was forged in the common cause of dealing with Jesus. Both men, despite their previous animosity, found common ground in their desire to pass responsibility and ultimately, to dismiss Jesus. Their animosity dissolved when faced with a shared 'problem'—Jesus.
It's a somber thought: sometimes, the very presence of Christ can bring together those who are otherwise at odds. This verse reveals a chilling pattern.
The encounter with Jesus acted as the bridge between Pilate and Herod's animosity.
Passing the Buck
Pilate, as the Roman governor, had the ultimate authority, but he also recognized Jesus was technically under Herod's jurisdiction as a Galilean. Instead of dealing with the accusations himself, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. Herod, eager to see Jesus perform a miracle but finding no fault in Him, then sent Jesus back to Pilate. This political maneuvering and mutual avoidance was enabled by their shared desire to be rid of the situation.
The World's Response to Jesus
This wasn't just about two political figures; it's a reflection of how the world often reacts to Jesus. Wicked people, who might be enemies in other matters, can unite when confronted with the claims of Christ. Their hatred or disregard for Him can become a stronger bond than their existing conflicts. It’s a stark reminder that standing with Christ often means standing against the world’s prevailing opinions and powers.
The surprising friendship between Pilate and Herod, formed on the very day Jesus stood trial, highlights how shared opposition to Christ can unite even those who are otherwise at odds.
c. AD 26-36
Pilate Serves as Prefect of Judea
Pontius Pilate, a Roman knight, governed Judea as prefect under Emperor Tiberius. His tenure was marked by several clashes with Jewish religious sensitivities.
c. AD 30
Pilate's Massacre of Galileans
Pilate's forces violently disrupted a pilgrimage, killing Galileans while they were sacrificing in Jerusalem. This event likely caused significant tension between Pilate and Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus is Brought Before Pilate
Accused by the Jewish leadership, Jesus is presented to Pilate. Pilate, learning Jesus is a Galilean, sends him to Herod Antipas, who is also in Jerusalem for Passover.
c. AD 30
Jesus is Mocked by Herod
Herod, intrigued by Jesus but finding no grounds for a death sentence, mocks him and sends him back to Pilate, dressed in a royal robe.
This passage directly references both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the people of Israel and the Gentiles, uniting against Jesus. It highlights how opposition to Christ can bridge divides between even hostile factions.
Psalm 83:5-7This psalm describes various nations forming a conspiracy against Israel, noting that they 'have made one purpose.' This parallels how differing groups, like Pilate and Herod, can unite their efforts against God's purposes, even if they are usually in conflict.
Luke 13:1Commentaries suggest the enmity between Pilate and Herod may have stemmed from Pilate's violent actions against Galileans, who were Herod's subjects. This verse provides context for their prior conflict.
Matthew 27:1-2This passage shows the chief priests and elders collaborating to bring Jesus to Pilate. It illustrates the kind of unified opposition that can bring disparate individuals together, as it did for Pilate and Herod.
pooleLuke 23:12: "And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves."
See Poole on "Luke 23:1"
calvinLuke 23:2-12: "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."
- Now Jesus stood [245] before the governor. And the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus saith to him, Thou sayest it. [246] 12. And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, and he answered nothing. 13. Then Pilate saith to him, Hearest thou not how many things they testify…
This seemingly minor detail reveals a stunning irony: the very event meant to condemn Jesus paradoxically united two powerful enemies. Their newfound friendship, forged in contempt and mockery of Christ, highlights how the world often bands together against God's purposes, even while disagreeing on everything else.
After Pilate learns Jesus is from Galilee, he sends Him to Herod Antipas, who is in Jerusalem for Passover. Herod questions Jesus extensively, hoping to see a miracle, but Jesus remains silent, leading Herod and his soldiers to mock Him before sending Him back to Pilate. This shared contempt and the political courtesy of Pilate sending Jesus to Herod then back again surprisingly resolved their long-standing hostility, making them friends.
After Pilate learns Jesus is from Galilee, he sends Him to Herod Antipas, who is in Jerusalem for Passover. Herod questions Jesus extensively, hoping to see a miracle, but Jesus remains silent, leading Herod and his soldiers to mock Him before sending Him back to Pilate. This shared contempt and the political courtesy of Pilate sending Jesus to Herod then back again surprisingly resolved their long-standing hostility, making them friends.
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c. AD 30
Pilate and Herod Reconciled
The mutual contempt that had previously existed between Pilate and Herod dissolves as they unite in their shared disdain for Jesus, forming a temporary friendship.
"And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other." — This seemingly minor detail reveals a stunning irony: the very event meant to condemn Jesus paradoxically united two powerful enemies. Their newfound friendship, forged in contempt and mockery of Chr…
