New Testament
Luke 23:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting the nation and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, claiming that he himself is Christ, a king."
Compare translations
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
What Luke 23:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is being accused by the religious leaders of misleading the people and opposing Roman authority. They claim that He is telling people not to pay taxes to Caesar, which was a serious charge since it could be seen as inciting rebellion against the Roman government. Additionally, they accuse Him of claiming to be the Messiah, or 'Christ,' which implies that He is a king. This accusation is significant because it challenges both the religious and political order of the time. The leaders are trying to present Jesus as a threat to the stability of the nation and the authority of Rome, hoping to justify His arrest and execution. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' mission and the existing power structures, as well as the misunderstandings about His true purpose as the Messiah.
How to apply Luke 23:2 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding the truth about Jesus and His mission. It encourages us to discern between false accusations and the genuine message of Christ. In our lives, we should seek to uphold truth and justice, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Luke 23:1–25)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 23:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 23:2
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What were the accusations against Jesus in Luke 23:2?
In Luke 23:2, Jesus is accused by the religious leaders of perverting the nation and forbidding people to pay taxes to Caesar. They claim He is misleading the people and asserting that He is the Christ, a king, which posed a threat to both the Jewish religious authority and the Roman political order.
Why was the accusation of not paying taxes to Caesar serious?
The accusation of Jesus forbidding tribute to Caesar was serious because it could be interpreted as inciting rebellion against Roman authority. Taxation was a crucial aspect of Roman governance, and any suggestion of not paying taxes could lead to severe consequences, including charges of treason.
How does Luke 23:2 reflect the political tension of Jesus' time?
Luke 23:2 illustrates the political tension of Jesus' time by highlighting the conflict between His teachings and the established Roman authority. The religious leaders sought to portray Jesus as a revolutionary figure who threatened the stability of the nation, thereby justifying their actions against Him.
What does the term 'Christ' signify in the accusations against Jesus?
In the accusations against Jesus, the term 'Christ' signifies the expected Messiah or anointed one who would be a king. This claim was significant because it challenged the existing religious and political structures, as claiming kingship implied a direct challenge to both Roman rule and the authority of the Jewish leaders.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.