23:16 {5} I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].
(5) The wisdom of the flesh is to choose the lesser of two evils, but God curses such plans.
23:16 I will therefore chastise him. This was an effort to make a compromise. To gratify and save the pride of the Sanhedrin he will chastise an innocent man and then let him go.
23:16 I will therefore chastise him - Here Pilate began to give ground, which only encouraged them to press on. Mt 27:15; Mr 15:6; Joh 18:39.
23:13-25 The fear of man brings many into this snare, that they will do an unjust thing, against their consciences, rather than get into trouble. Pilate declares Jesus innocent, and has a mind to release him; yet, to please the people, he would punish him as an evil-doer. If no fault be found in him, why chastise him? Pilate yielded at length; he had not courage to go against so strong a stream. He delivered Jesus to their will, to be crucified.
