The harmony of the Gospels in the holy history of the humiliation and sufferings…

5. The Jews passionate aggravation of the extent of the effects of the preaching of Jesus Christ, from Galilee even to Jerusalem, gave the occasion of this diversion. But it was very cross unto them and to their design, for they were resolved to put him to death; yea and it must be done that very day; yea and by the Roman power, and after the Roman manner. But if Herod should accept to judge him, that would quite alter the matter: or if he do not, but remit him to Pilate, it will occasion much loss of time: it was therefore a very vexatious matter to them, but thank their own passion that gave Pilate the occasion. But being so, they must bestir themselves, The chief Priests and Elders must go and appear before Herod, to represent the matter as foul as they can.

5. The Jews passionate aggravation of the extent of the effects of the preaching of Jesus Christ, from Galilee even to Jerusalem, gave the occasion of this divertion. But it was very cross unto them and to their design, for they were resolved to put him to death; yea and it must be done that very day; yea and by the Romane power, and after the Romane manner. But if Herod should accept to judge him, that would quite alter the matter: or if he doe not, but remit him to Pilate, it will occasion much loss of time: it was therefore a very vexatious matter to them, but thank their own passion that gave Pilate the occasion. But being so, they must bestir themselves, The chief Priests and Elders must goe and appear before Herod, to represent the matter as foul as they can.

6. When Jesus came before Herod, then the History thus proceedeth.

1. See Herod's carnal joy at his coming, and at the sight of him. We must consider Herod to be a visible Professor of Religion, though a carnal hypocrite: Pilate was a Pagan, Herod was a Jew; therefore he acts the part of one that hath Religion: therefore he had exceeding great joy to see Jesus: this his joy is amplified by two reason, 1. Because he had of a long time a desire to see Jesus, having heard such famous things of him. 2. Because he hoped he would have been so officious to him, being a King, as to gratify him by doing some Miracle before him.