Church Fathers Commentary Luke 23:6-12

"But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And when he knew that he was of Herod`s jurisdiction, he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in these days. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him. And he questioned him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day: for before they were at enmity between themselves." — Luke 23:6-12 (ASV)

The Venerable Bede: Having determined not to question our Lord about this accusation, Pilate was therefore glad when an opportunity arose to avoid passing judgment on Him. Thus, when Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the man was a Galilean. So that he would not be compelled to pass sentence against one whom he knew to be innocent and handed over out of envy, he sent Him to be questioned by Herod. He preferred that the Tetrarch of our Lord's country should be the one to either acquit or punish Him, for it follows: And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction.

Theophylact of Ohrid: In this, he follows the Roman law, which provided that every person should be judged by the governor of their own jurisdiction.

St. Gregory the Great: Now Herod wished to test Christ’s fame, wanting to witness His miracles, for it follows: And when Herod saw Jesus, he was glad.

Theophylact of Ohrid: This was not as if Herod were about to gain any benefit from the sight. Rather, driven by curiosity, he thought he would see this extraordinary man, of whose wisdom and wonderful works he had heard so much. He also wanted to hear what He would say. Accordingly, he asked Him questions, making a sport of Him and ridiculing Him.

But Jesus, who did all things prudently and who, as David testifies, orders His words with discretion, thought it right to be silent in such a case. For a word spoken to someone it does not benefit becomes the cause of their condemnation. Therefore, it follows: But he answered him nothing.

St. Ambrose of Milan: He was silent and did nothing, for Herod’s unbelief did not deserve to see Him, and the Lord avoided display. And perhaps symbolically, Herod represents all the ungodly, who, if they have not believed the Law and the Prophets, cannot see Christ’s wonderful works in the Gospel.

St. Gregory the Great: From these words, we should learn a lesson. Whenever our listeners wish to gain knowledge from us—as if by praising us—but have no intention of changing their wicked course, we must be completely silent. Otherwise, if we speak God's word out of a love for showing off, we risk a double failure: those who were guilty remain so, and we who were innocent become guilty ourselves.

Many things can reveal a listener's motive, but one in particular is when they always praise what they hear, yet never follow what they praise.

The Redeemer, therefore, though questioned, remained silent; though expected to, He disdained to work miracles. Keeping Himself inwardly reserved, He left those who were satisfied with seeking external things to remain thankless outside, preferring to be openly scorned by the proud than to be praised by the hollow voices of unbelievers.

Hence it follows: And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a white robe.

St. Ambrose of Milan: It is not without reason that He is dressed by Herod in a white robe, as a sign of His spotless Passion, showing that the spotless Lamb of God would take upon Himself the sins of the world.

Theophylact of Ohrid: Nevertheless, observe how the Devil is thwarted by the very thing he does. He heaps scorn and reproaches on Christ, by which it is made clear that the Lord is not seditious. Otherwise, He would not have been mocked when such great danger was present, especially from a people who were held in suspicion and were so prone to change.

But Pilate's sending of Christ to Herod becomes the beginning of a mutual friendship, since Pilate deferred to Herod's authority over his subjects. As it is added, And they were made friends. Observe how the Devil everywhere unites separate things to bring about the death of Christ. Let us then be ashamed if, for the sake of our own salvation, we do not even keep our friends united with us.

St. Ambrose of Milan: In the symbol of Herod and Pilate, who went from being enemies to friends because of Jesus Christ, we also see a figure of the people of Israel and the Gentile nations. Through our Lord's Passion, a future harmony between them would come to pass.

This would happen in such a way that the Gentiles would receive the word of God first. Then, by the devotion of their faith, they would transmit it to the Jewish people, so that they too might clothe the body of Christ—which they had previously despised—with the glory of their majesty.

The Venerable Bede: Or, this alliance between Herod and Pilate signifies that the Gentiles and Jews, though differing in race, religion, and character, agree in persecuting Christians.