Matthew 26:3-5
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word translated "palace" actually refers to an open courtyard, which was a common place for gatherings in that culture. This detail reveals the meeting wasn't a formal session in a grand hall, but a more private, urgent gathering for conspiracy within the high priest's home. It highlights the hushed, clandestine nature of their plot against Jesus.
While Jesus predicts his impending crucifixion to his disciples, the religious authorities, led by High Priest Caiaphas, secretly gather. They are determined to arrest Jesus, but worry about causing a public disturbance if they do so during the Passover festival.
As Jesus speaks of His impending death, the highest authorities in Jerusalem quietly convene. Who were these men, and what was their immediate goal?
The verse introduces the key players plotting against Jesus: 'the chief priests, and the elders of the people.'
Their meeting in the 'palace' (more accurately, the courtyard or central hall) of the high priest, Caiaphas, signifies a formal, high-level gathering. Their immediate purpose, as noted in later verses, was to find a way to arrest and kill Jesus, but they were concerned about causing a public uproar during the Passover feast.
The high priest, Caiaphas, is named as the host. His position was unique, and his actions would have eternal consequences. What do we know about him?
Caiaphas serves as the central figure in this conspiracy. His name is tied to this pivotal moment because of his office and his role.
Understand the original words
archiereis · Greek Noun
The religious leaders responsible for the administration of the Temple and the Jewish legal system in Jerusalem; they often acted as the primary opposition to Jesus' ministry.
presbyteroi · Greek Noun
The senior or authoritative members of the Jewish community or governing body (Sanhedrin), representing the social and religious leadership of the people.
Kaiaphas · Greek Noun
The high priest appointed by Roman authorities who presided over the Sanhedrin during the trial of Jesus; he represents the institutional opposition to the Messianic claims of Jesus.
krateō · Greek Verb
To seize or apprehend someone; in a judicial context, it implies an official action to restrict liberty and bring the accused to trial.
The gathering of the chief priests and elders at Caiaphas's palace wasn't just a random meeting; it occurred at a pivotal moment. They saw Jesus' popularity, especially after raising Lazarus, as a direct threat that could incite a riot during Passover, potentially drawing unwanted Roman attention. Caiaphas, a politically astute High Priest appointed by Rome, understood this danger and convened the council to devise a plan to silence Jesus, aiming to avoid public disturbance.
c. AD 25-36— this verse
Caiaphas Serves as High Priest
Joseph Caiaphas, appointed by the Roman prefect Valerius Gratus, held the office of High Priest during Jesus' ministry. His tenure was notable for its length and the political maneuvering involved, as the Roman authorities frequently appointed and deposed High Priests.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus' teachings and miracles, particularly His raising of Lazarus, caused widespread excitement and increased His popularity, but also intensified the fear and opposition among the Jewish religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33
The Sanhedrin Convenes
The chief priests, scribes, and elders, comprising the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court), gathered at the High Priest's residence to deliberate on how to arrest and execute Jesus, fearing His influence over the populace.
During Passover Week, c. AD 30-33
This passage shows the chief priests and Pharisees initiating the conspiracy against Jesus, providing the immediate context for their decision to have him killed.
Luke 22:2This verse mirrors Matthew's account, highlighting the rulers' desperate search for a way to execute Jesus, emphasizing their plotting against him.
Acts 4:27This verse directly references Caiaphas and the rulers who gathered against Jesus, showing how this event was understood and remembered by the early church.
Psalm 2:2This Old Testament psalm prophesies rulers taking a stand against the Lord and his Anointed, powerfully echoing the actions of Caiaphas and his council.
vincentMatthew 26:3: "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,"
Palace (αὐλὴν)But the word never means palace in the New Testament. It is the court, the open court or hall, forming the centre of an oriental building, and often used as a meeting-place. Rev., court. Wyc., hall.
bensonMatthew 26:3: "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,"
Matthew 26:3-5 . The chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders — They together constituted the sanhedrim, or great council, which had the supreme authority both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs. Assembled together unto the palace of the high-priest — Namely, to deliberate how they might take Jesus, and put him to death; an…
The word translated "palace" actually refers to an open courtyard, which was a common place for gatherings in that culture. This detail reveals the meeting wasn't a formal session in a grand hall, but a more private, urgent gathering for conspiracy within the high priest's home. It highlights the hushed, clandestine nature of their plot against Jesus.
While Jesus predicts his impending crucifixion to his disciples, the religious authorities, led by High Priest Caiaphas, secretly gather. They are determined to arrest Jesus, but worry about causing a public disturbance if they do so during the Passover festival.
While Jesus predicts his impending crucifixion to his disciples, the religious authorities, led by High Priest Caiaphas, secretly gather. They are determined to arrest Jesus, but worry about causing a public disturbance if they do so during the Passover festival.
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dolos · Greek Noun
Doing something in a hidden, crafty, or deceptive manner to avoid detection or interference from the general public.
heortē · Greek Noun
An annual religious celebration or set of days designated for communal worship, joy, or remembrance before God.
Plot to Arrest Jesus Discreetly
The Sanhedrin decided not to arrest Jesus during the Passover feast itself, fearing a public uprising, but planned to apprehend Him by stealth after the festival.
Shortly before Passover, c. AD 30-33
Anointing of Jesus at Bethany
Shortly before the Passover, a woman anointed Jesus with expensive perfume in Bethany. This event, occurring just before His planned arrest, further motivated the religious leaders.
"Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there…" — The word translated "palace" actually refers to an open courtyard, which was a common place for gatherings in that culture. This detail reveals the meeting wasn't a formal session in a grand hall, bu…
