What does Luke 23:2 mean?

"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." - Luke 23:2

Luke 23:2 - "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."

Luke 23:2 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "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."

This verse is set in the context of the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. The religious leaders, seeking to dispose of Jesus, bring him before Pilate with false accusations in an attempt to have him sentenced to death.

The accusation against Jesus in this verse is two-fold. The religious leaders claim that Jesus is perverting the nation and forbidding people to pay taxes to Caesar. These accusations were meant to incite the Roman authorities, as they were serious charges against Roman rule.

The theme of power and authority is prevalent in this verse. The religious leaders feel threatened by Jesus and his teachings, and they are willing to go to great lengths to maintain their own power and influence. By accusing Jesus of blasphemy and treason, they hope to eliminate him as a threat to their religious and political authority.

The accusation also touches on the theme of kingship. The religious leaders claim that Jesus is declaring himself to be a king, which could be seen as a challenge to the authority of Caesar. This accusation not only seeks to incite the Roman authorities but also plays into the Messianic expectations of the Jewish people. The idea of a messianic king who would overthrow Roman rule was a deeply held belief among many Jews at the time.

The context of this verse within the larger narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion is important to understanding its significance. Jesus' trial before Pilate marks the climax of the gospel narrative, as it sets the stage for his crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The false accusations brought against him by the religious leaders serve to fulfill the prophecies of his suffering and death, as foretold in the Old Testament.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multifaceted. On a literal level, it represents the unjust and corrupt nature of those in power who seek to suppress the truth and maintain their own authority at any cost. Jesus, the innocent and blameless Lamb of God, stands before the earthly powers and authorities, enduring false accusations and unjust condemnation, mirroring the sacrificial role he would fulfill on the cross.

Furthermore, the accusation of Jesus as a king holds deep symbolic significance. While the religious leaders intend it as a means of condemning Jesus, it ironically points to the true nature of his kingship. Jesus, as the Messiah and Son of God, is indeed a king, but his kingdom is not of this world. His kingship is characterized by love, humility, and sacrificial service, in stark contrast to the earthly powers that seek to condemn and destroy him.

In conclusion, Luke 23:2 captures a pivotal moment in the gospel narrative, as Jesus is falsely accused before Pilate, setting the stage for his crucifixion and ultimate sacrifice. The themes of power, authority, and kingship are central to this verse, as it highlights the corrupt nature of earthly rulers and the true nature of Jesus' divine kingship. The symbolic significance of this verse further underscores the profound theological and redemptive implications of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

Luke 23:2 Artwork

Luke 23:2 - "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."

Luke 23:2-4 - "And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ, a king." And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man.""

Luke 23:53

Luke 15:23

Luke 2:23 - "(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)"

Luke 23:2-25 - "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. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean. 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. 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. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 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 gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."

Luke 23:54 - "And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on."

Luke 23:24 - "And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required."

Luke 23:23 - "And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed."