Luke xxiii. 12. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together : for before they ivere at enmity between themselves.
IT was truly said of Christ at the time of his birth, that " he should be a sign that should be spoken against, that the thoughts of many hearts should be re- vealed:" for by means of him, throughout all his ministry, and especially at the close of his life, such depravity was brought to light, as one would scarcely have conceived it possible for man to indulge. To go no further than the immediate context : Pilate had been constrained to declare him innocent ; yet, in- stead of liberating him, had availed himself of the mention of Galilee to send him to Herod, under whose jurisdiction that province was. The Scribes and Pharisees, enraged rather than pacified by Pilate's attestation of his innocence, followed him to Herod's judgment-seat, loading him with all manner of accu- sations, and making up in vehemence and clamour what they wanted in truth and evidence. Herod, after trying him, was forced to confirm the verdict of Pilate ; yet, instead of protecting this persecuted person, arrayed him in mock-majesty, and with his men of war poured contempt upon him, and sent him back again to Pilate as an object worthy only of derision. Thus, while the Scribes and Pharisees unre- mittingly urged against him their malignant accusa- tions, Pilate and Herod complimented each other at his expense, and made their injuries to him the means of reconciliation between themselves.