New Testament
Luke 23:5
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But they pressed harder, insisting, "He stirs up the people with his teaching all across Judea — starting in Galilee and now here!"
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And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
What Luke 23:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders are intensifying their accusations against Jesus. They claim that He is causing unrest among the people through His teachings, which have spread throughout Judea, starting from Galilee. This highlights their fear of His influence and the potential threat He poses to their authority. The insistence of the leaders shows their determination to portray Jesus as a troublemaker, trying to sway public opinion against Him. Their focus on His teaching methods indicates that they see His message as a challenge to their established beliefs and control. This moment reflects the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, setting the stage for His eventual trial and crucifixion. The verse illustrates how powerful figures often react defensively to those who challenge the status quo, using accusations to undermine their credibility.
How to apply Luke 23:5 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It encourages us to be aware of how our actions and teachings can influence others, and to remain steadfast in sharing our values, despite potential backlash from those in authority.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: On Trial Before Pilate (Luke 23:1–25)
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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.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Luke 23:5
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 does Luke 23:5 mean?
Luke 23:5 describes how religious leaders accused Jesus of inciting unrest among the people through His teachings. Their insistence highlights their fear of His growing influence and the threat He posed to their authority.
What is the significance of the accusations in Luke 23:5?
The accusations in Luke 23:5 reflect the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. It shows how those in power often react defensively to challenges, using accusations to undermine the credibility of their opponents.
How does Luke 23:5 relate to the conflict between Jesus and religious leaders?
Luke 23:5 highlights the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, as they seek to portray Him as a troublemaker. Their accusations indicate their fear of losing authority and the impact of Jesus' teachings on the public.
What themes are present in Luke 23:5?
Key themes in Luke 23:5 include accusation, religious authority, public influence, and conflict. The verse captures the fear of change among established leaders and their attempts to maintain control over the narrative.
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