Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 23:16

"I will therefore chastise him, and release him." — Luke 23:16 (ASV)

I will therefore chastise him. The word "chastise" here means to scourge or to whip. This was usually done before capital punishment to increase the sufferings of the man condemned.

It is not easy to understand why, if Pilate supposed Jesus to be innocent, he would propose to scourge Him publicly. It was as really unjust to do that as it was to crucify Him. But Pilate probably expected by this to conciliate his accusers, showing them that he was willing to gratify them if it could be done properly. Perhaps he also expected that seeing Jesus whipped, disgraced, and condemned to ridicule, to contempt, and to suffering would satisfy them.

It is further remarked that among the Romans, it was permissible for a magistrate to inflict a slight punishment on a man when a charge of a gross offense was not fully established, or where there was not sufficient testimony to substantiate the precise charge alleged.

All this shows:

1. The palpable injustice of our Lord's condemnation;
2. The persevering malice and obstinacy of the Jews; and
3. The lack of firmness in Pilate.

He should have released Him at once; but the love of popularity led him to the murder of the Son of God. People should do their duty in all situations; and anyone who, like Pilate, seeks only public favor and popularity will assuredly be led into crime.