5. But they were urgent and emphatic, saying, He stirs up and excites the people, teaching throughout all Judea–from Galilee, where He began, even to this place.
6. Upon hearing this, Pilate asked whether the Man was a Galilean.
7. And when he found out [certainly] that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him up to Herod [a higher authority], who was also in Jerusalem in those days.
8. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had eagerly desired to see Him for a long time because of what he had heard concerning Him, and he was hoping to witness some sign (some striking evidence or spectacular performance) done by Him.
9. So he asked Him many questions, but He made no reply. [Isa. 53:7.]
10. Meanwhile, the chief priests and the scribes stood by, continuing vehemently and violently to accuse Him.
11. And Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt and scoffed at and ridiculed Him; then, dressing Him up in bright and gorgeous apparel, he sent Him back to Pilate. [Isa. 53:8.]
12. And that very day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other–[though] they had been at enmity before this.
13. Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
14. And said to them, You brought this Man before me as One Who was perverting and misleading and turning away and corrupting the people; and behold, after examining Him before you, I have not found any offense (crime or guilt) in this Man in regard to your accusations against Him;
15. No, nor indeed did Herod, for he sent Him back to us; behold, He has done nothing deserving of death.
16. I will therefore chastise Him and deliver Him amended (reformed, taught His lesson) and release Him.
17. For it was necessary for him to release to them one prisoner at the Feast.