Lucas 23:13-14

Pilate announced his verdict that he made after receiving Herod’s opinion. Pilate had found Jesus innocent of the charge of insurrection. He used standard legal terminology (cf. Acts 23:9; Acts 26:31-32). He doubtless intended to put the matter to rest.

Luke’s reference to the people (Gr. laos, Luke 23:13) is significant. Throughout his Gospel Luke referred to the people (laos) as distinct from the crowds (ochlos). The former word describes people who did not oppose Jesus as their leaders did (cf. Luke 23:27; Luke 23:35; Luke 24:19; Acts 2:47). Many people from this group believed on Jesus. The crowds, on the other hand, sought Jesus for what they could get out of Him. In these verses the people who were sympathetic or at least neutral toward Jesus heard Pilate’s verdict along with the antagonistic Sanhedrin members. [Note: Liefeld, "Luke," p. 1040.]