ACC ~ Luke 13 v1 - 5

PILATE KILLS THE GALILEANS ON HEROD’S BIRTHDAY

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: They came and informed Jesus concerning the men from Galilee, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices, on the festival of Herod’s birthday, when he cut off John’s head. [1] Since Herod had illegally killed John, Pilate sent and killed those who were present at the feast. Since he was not able to injure Herod, he destroyed his accomplice to his shame, and he left him in anger until the day of the Lord’s judgment. The two were reconciled through the pretext of the Lord. [2] Pilate mixed their blood with their sacrifices, because the Roman authorities forbid them to offer sacrifice. Pilate found them transgressing the law and offering sacrifices, and he destroyed them at that same place and time. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 14.25. [3]

[1] Mt 14:10.

[2] Lk 23:12.

[3] ECTD 225-26*.

THE SACRIFICES WERE IMPURE

AMBROSE: From those Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices, the symbolic interpretation appears to refer to those who under the devil’s power offer sacrifice impurely. Their prayer becomes sin, [1] just as it is written of Judas the traitor, who, amid the sacrifices, planned the betrayal of the Lord’s blood. [2] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.159. [3]

[1] Ps 109:7 (108:7 LXX).

[2] Cf. Jn 13:18.

[3] EHG 295**.