MPV Commentary

Jesus before Herod.

7. Sent him to Herod—hoping thus to escape the dilemma of an unjust condemnation or an unpopular release.

At Jerusalem... at that time—to keep the Passover.

8. Some miracle—Herod was expecting a spectacular display, like the Philistines with Samson (Judges 16:25), but he had been thwarted before (see Luke 13:31-33) and would be again.

9. Answered nothing—(See Matthew 7:6).

10. Stood and vehemently accused him—likely both of treason against the king and blasphemy, since Herod was a Jew.

11. His men of war—his bodyguards.

Set him at naught, etc.—Herod's disappointment turned to anger when Jesus refused to perform miracles or answer his questions.

Gorgeous robe—a bright, shining white robe, possibly mocking Jesus' claim to be the "King of the Jews." However, this could also have been a way for Herod to honor Him (as Pilate did later with the inscription on the cross).

12. Sent him again to Pilate—instead of releasing Him as he should have, having found no grounds for accusation (Luke 23:14-15). In doing so, Herod implicated himself in Jesus' condemnation and is therefore classed alongside Pilat in Acts 4:27.

At enmity—possibly due to a disputed jurisdictional issue, which this exchange of prisoners might have resolved.