Luke 23:12 – “That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.”
Extended Explanation
This verse reveals an interesting outcome of Jesus’ trial—Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate, two men who had previously been enemies, became friends. The common event that brought them together was their involvement in the trial and mockery of Jesus. Pilate had sent Jesus to Herod to avoid making a decision himself, and Herod had mocked Jesus and sent Him back. Through this shared experience, the two rulers formed an alliance.
What is significant about this moment is the irony: two men who couldn’t get along found unity in rejecting Jesus. Instead of being drawn to Him as the source of truth, they bonded over the injustice they allowed. This verse is a powerful reminder of how human sin can unite people against God’s purposes.
Historical Context
Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea, responsible for maintaining order and overseeing legal matters on behalf of the Roman Empire. Herod Antipas was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, a position he held under Roman authority. Although they ruled different regions, Pilate and Herod had reasons to distrust each other. Their conflict may have been political—possibly over jurisdictional disputes—or personal, given Herod’s reputation for immorality and political ambition.
Their newfound friendship likely stemmed from Pilate’s act of sending Jesus to Herod, a gesture that may have been seen as respectful or conciliatory. By cooperating in the trial of Jesus, they found common ground, even though their motives were self-serving and rooted in avoiding responsibility.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the way sin can bring people together in opposition to God. Herod and Pilate didn’t unite because they shared a love of truth or justice. They became friends through their shared rejection of the truth. This reflects a broader reality: people often bond over mutual rejection of God’s authority when they feel threatened by it. Pilate and Herod weren’t necessarily malicious in the same way as the religious leaders, but they still played a role in rejecting Jesus because it was convenient for them.
Theologically, this moment underscores humanity’s collective guilt in the crucifixion of Christ. It wasn’t just the Jewish leaders or Roman officials who were responsible—it was a collaboration of various groups and individuals, symbolizing the universal nature of human sin that Jesus came to bear.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s inclusion of this detail is unique to his Gospel and serves to emphasize the larger theme of rejection and irony. The friendship between Pilate and Herod is ironic because they find unity not in seeking justice but in mistreating the one who embodies ultimate truth and righteousness. Luke frequently contrasts appearances with deeper truths, and here, what seems like a positive development—a reconciliation between two rulers—is actually rooted in spiritual blindness and injustice.
The phrase “that day” signals a significant turning point in the narrative. While Jesus is being humiliated and condemned, human leaders are forming alliances that further highlight their failure to recognize Him as the King. The idea that Jesus’ rejection could bring enemies together shows the power of His presence—even when people oppose Him, He becomes a central figure in their decisions and relationships.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 2:1-2 – “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed.”
- Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.”
- Acts 4:27-28 – The early church acknowledges that Herod, Pilate, and others were involved in Jesus’ death, but it was part of God’s sovereign plan.
- John 15:18-19 – Jesus warns His followers that the world will hate them because it hated Him first.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse serves as a warning about the danger of compromising with the world. Herod and Pilate set aside their differences to cooperate in rejecting Jesus, showing how easy it is for people to unite around worldly interests instead of seeking the truth. For Christians today, this raises the question: Are we aligning ourselves with people or systems that oppose Christ, even if it seems convenient or beneficial?
This verse also reminds believers that standing for truth may result in rejection or opposition. Just as Jesus was rejected by the world, Christians should expect to face challenges when living out their faith. However, we can be encouraged by the fact that, even when the world seems to be united against God’s purposes, His plan will ultimately prevail.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown through His patience and His willingness to work through human failures to accomplish His purposes. Herod and Pilate’s newfound friendship, while rooted in sin, did not derail God’s plan of redemption. Instead, their rejection of Jesus was part of the larger plan for Him to go to the cross and provide salvation for humanity.
God’s love is also seen in His offer of forgiveness, even to those who mock or reject Him. Jesus died for the sins of the world—including the sins of those who played a role in His crucifixion. This demonstrates the depth of God’s mercy and His desire for all people to come to repentance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus as the rejected King who willingly endured mistreatment to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. The collaboration between Herod and Pilate points to the larger rejection of Jesus by both religious and political authorities, fulfilling the prophecies about the Messiah who would be despised and rejected.
Despite the mockery and rejection, Jesus’ mission was not derailed. His path to the cross was not a defeat—it was the means by which He would conquer sin and death. Herod and Pilate’s actions, while sinful, were part of God’s plan to use Jesus’ suffering and death to bring life to the world.
- John 1:10-11 – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.”
- Philippians 2:8-11 – Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, and God exalted Him as the King of kings.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Herod and Pilate became friends through their shared involvement in Jesus’ trial?
- Have you ever witnessed people uniting over a common opposition to faith or truth? How did you respond?
- What does this verse teach us about the ways the world rejects Jesus and how we can remain faithful in the face of opposition?
- How does knowing that God used even the sinful actions of Herod and Pilate for His purposes give you confidence in His plan for your life?
- How can you guard against compromising with worldly influences that may lead you away from faithfully following Christ?