Matthew 26:3

King James Version (KJV)

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Then assembled together the chief priests - That is, during the two days that preceded the passover.

The high priest, who was called Caiaphas - Caiaphas succeeded Simon, son of Camith, about a.d. 16, or, as Calmet thinks, 25. He married the daughter of Annas, who was joined with him in the priesthood. About two years after our Lord's crucifixion, Caiaphas and Pilate were both deposed by Vitellius, then governor of Syria, and afterwards emperor. Caiaphas, unable to bear this disgrace, and the stings of his conscience for the murder of Christ, killed himself about a.d. 35. See Joseph. Ant. b. xviii. c. 2-4.

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Our Lord had often told of his sufferings as at a distance, now he speaks of them as at hand. At the same time the Jewish council consulted how they might put him to death secretly. But it pleased God to defeat their intention. Jesus, the true paschal Lamb, was to be sacrificed for us at that very time, and his death and resurrection rendered public.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

3. Then assembled together. It cannot be said with certainty whether Matthew here follows a strictly chronological order, and thus intends to show that the assembly of priests and elders took place “two days” before the Passover, or whether he is developing the subject topically. He may be simply giving a statement of Jesus (v. 2) before he records the assembly of priests and elders (vs. 4, 5). The fact that Matthew has grouped various events in the life of Christ topically rather than chronologically (see on chs. 8:2; 12:1; 13:1; 26:6; etc.) leaves it an open question as to whether he has done so here. Matthew uses the word tote, “then,” some 90 times (more than all the other NT writers combined), but not always in the sense of a strict chronological relationship between the incident thus introduced and that immediately preceding it. See p. 274.

It may be noted that the feast at Simon’s house recorded farther on in this chapter (vs. 6-13) apparently occurred the preceding Sabbath, probably in the evening (John 12:1, 2, 12, 13; see DA 557, 563 [the word deipnon, “supper,” generally refers to an evening meal, as in John 13:2; see on Luke 14:12]). Chronologically, it should have been recorded prior to the narrative of Matt. 21 (see on ch. 26:5). The assembly of priests and elders here mentioned seems to have taken place that same Saturday night (see DA 558), and it was from Simon’s supper that Judas went to them with his offer to betray his Master (vs. 14, 15; DA 563, 564). Most probably, therefore, the incidents recorded in vs. 3-15 took place the preceding Saturday night, but Matthew places them here because of their significant bearing upon the account of Jesus’ betrayal.

For a discussion of the immediate occasion prompting this assembly of Jewish leaders see DA 557, 558. This seems to have been Judas’ first secret meeting with the Jewish leaders (DA 563, 564). He apparently met with them a second time prior to the Last Supper, Thursday night (DA 720), perhaps on Tuesday night.

The chief priests. The men here mentioned no doubt were all members of the Sanhedrin, the national council of the Jews. A few weeks previously, soon after the raising of Lazarus, the council had decided to put Jesus to death at the very first favorable opportunity (John 11:47-53; DA 537-541). Now, popular sentiment in His favor made the matter even more pressing (DA 557). As to the meaning of the expression “chief priests” see on Matt. 2:4. In view of the fact that several ex-high priests were living at the time it may be that they are the ones here referred to as “the chief priests.”

The scribes. See p. 55. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 146) the omission of these words.

The palace. Where Jesus later appeared before Annas and Caiaphas (see v. 58), probably adjoining, perhaps within, the Temple area. (See Jerusalem in Time of Christ.)

Caiaphas. See on Luke 3:2.

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5 (EGW), 1100-1

14, 15 (Luke 19:12, 13; see EGW on John 17:20, 21). Talents Not Restricted to a Few—To every man is committed individual gifts, termed talents. Some regard these talents as being limited to certain men who possess superior mental endowments and genius. But God has not restricted the bestowal of His talents to a favored few. To every one is committed some special endowment, for which he will be held responsible by the Lord. Time, reason, means, strength, mental powers, tenderness of heart—all are gifts from God, entrusted to be used in the great work of blessing humanity. 5BC 1100.1

Some apparently have but few talents, but by diligent trading on their Lord's goods their endowments will be greatly increased.... 5BC 1100.2

The Lord is watching every one to see whether he will use his talents wisely and unselfishly, or whether he will seek his own advancement. The talents are distributed to every man according to his several ability, that he may add to them by wise investment. Each one must give an account to the Master for his own actions. 5BC 1100.3

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

BibleTools.info

Bible Verse Explanations and Resources

Matthew 26:3