Matthew 27:1-2
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Right at the start of the Passion narrative, the verse emphasizes that the leaders weren't just thinking about Jesus's fate; they "took counsel against Jesus to put him to death." This highlights their active, deliberate plotting and commitment to carrying out their judgment, moving beyond a simple decision to immediate, strategic action.
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders reassemble at dawn for a formal council to plan how to execute their sentence, realizing they need Roman authority to do so. They decide to bring Jesus before Pilate, fabricating charges of sedition and tax rebellion to sway the Roman governor.
The ink on Judas's betrayal was barely dry, yet the religious leaders were already in motion. What fueled this frantic haste?
As dawn broke, the chief priests and elders wasted no time. Having already condemned Jesus in their minds (Matthew 26:66), their primary concern was no longer if he should die, but how. Their prior night's decision, driven by envy and a desire to eliminate Jesus' influence, now needed Roman authority to be enacted. The Jewish council, while having condemned Jesus for blasphemy, lacked the legal power to carry out a death sentence under Roman rule. Therefore, as soon as it was light, they convened again to strategize presenting Jesus to Pilate, carefully crafting charges that would appeal to Roman jurisdiction, such as sedition or forbidding tribute to Caesar, rather than blasphemy.
Caught between their own agenda and Roman law, the leaders found a way to manipulate the system. How did they twist justice?
The chief priests and elders knew that 'blasphemy,' the charge on which they had condemned Jesus, was not a crime recognized by Roman law. To achieve their goal of Jesus' death, they intentionally shifted their accusation. They decided to present Jesus to Pilate on charges of sedition and forbidding tribute to Caesar, knowing these were matters of civil concern that Pilate could act upon. This was a calculated move, prioritizing political expediency and their own authority over any genuine concern for justice or truth. They aimed to use Pilate as a tool to accomplish their desired outcome, sidestepping the limitations of their own jurisdiction and the potential unrest from the populace.
Understand the original words
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archiereus · Greek Noun
Those who served as the highest religious authorities in Israel, including the high priest and heads of priestly families, responsible for temple worship and representing the people before God.
presbyteros · Greek Noun
An honored title for respected leaders in the Jewish community, often serving in the Sanhedrin, who provided governance and legal oversight based on the Torah.
symboulion poieō · Greek Verb phrase
To take counsel, deliberate, or reach a collective decision; in a legal or conspiratorial sense, it implies a formal agreement or plan.
thanatoō · Greek Verb
To deprive of life; a formal legal or judicial execution, which in this context refers to the goal of the Jewish authorities to end Jesus’ life.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To surrender, hand over, or betray someone into the power of another; it carries a strong connotation of being "handed over" to authorities for judgment.
hēgemōn · Greek Noun
The Roman official responsible for governing a province, administering justice, collecting taxes, and maintaining public order, representing the authority of the Roman Emperor.
The verse highlights a critical juncture where religious leaders, having already condemned Jesus in a nighttime trial, formally planned his execution as morning broke. Lacking the authority to carry out the death penalty themselves, their immediate 'counsel' was to transfer Jesus to Roman authority, revealing the complex political and religious power dynamics at play.
c. AD 30, early morning— this verse
Sanhedrin Convenes for Formal Sentencing
Following Jesus' trial and condemnation for blasphemy during the night, the chief priests and elders reconvened at dawn. This formal meeting aimed to solidify their decision and plan how to have Jesus executed.
c. AD 30, morning
Jesus Delivered to Pontius Pilate
The Sanhedrin, lacking the authority to carry out a death sentence under Roman rule, brought Jesus to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, in Jerusalem.
c. AD 30, morning
Pilate's Wife's Warning
While Pilate was hearing the case, his wife sent him a message warning him to have nothing to do with Jesus, whom she believed to be a righteous man.
c. AD 30, morning
Barabbas Chosen Over Jesus
Pilate offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. The crowd, incited by the chief priests, chose Barabbas and demanded Jesus' crucifixion.
c. AD 30, morning
Jesus Scourged and Mocked
After yielding to the crowd's demand, Pilate had Jesus scourged and handed over to Roman soldiers. They mocked him, crowned him with thorns, and dressed him in royal robes before leading him away to be crucified.
c. AD 30, morning
Crucifixion
Jesus was led to Golgotha and crucified between two criminals, fulfilling prophecies and the counsel of God.
c. AD 30, afternoon
Death of Judas Iscariot
Overcome with remorse after the Sanhedrin refused to take back the silver he had received for betraying Jesus, Judas hanged himself.
This passage mirrors the scene, highlighting Jesus being led from Caiaphas to Pilate's headquarters at dawn, emphasizing the transition of authority and the continuation of the plot against Jesus.
Luke 22:66Luke describes the Sanhedrin gathering 'when the day broke,' showing the same timing and intent as Matthew's account of their council to condemn Jesus.
Acts 4:5-6This passage identifies the same key players – the chief priests and elders – who later confronted Peter and John, demonstrating their consistent authority and opposition to Jesus' followers after His death.
Zechariah 11:12-13The purchasing of the potter's field with the thirty pieces of silver, mentioned later in Matthew 27, directly connects to this prophecy, showing how the chief priests' actions against Jesus fulfilled ancient scripture.
bensonMatthew 27:1: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:"
Matthew 27:1-2 . When the morning was come — As soon as the day dawned, the chief priests and elders took counsel against Jesus, &c. — It seems they separated for the space of an hour or two, and at daybreak came together again to consult what method they should take to carry into execution the sentence they had passed against him, namely, to put him to death…
henryMatthew 27:1-10: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:"
27:1-10 Wicked men see little of the consequences of their crimes when they commit them, but they must answer for them all. In the fullest manner Judas acknowledged to the chief priests that he had sinned, and betrayed an innocent person. This was full testimony to the character of Christ; but the rulers were hardened. Casting down the money, Judas departe…
Right at the start of the Passion narrative, the verse emphasizes that the leaders weren't just thinking about Jesus's fate; they "took counsel against Jesus to put him to death." This highlights their active, deliberate plotting and commitment to carrying out their judgment, moving beyond a simple decision to immediate, strategic action.
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders reassemble at dawn for a formal council to plan how to execute their sentence, realizing they need Roman authority to do so. They decide to bring Jesus before Pilate, fabricating charges of sedition and tax rebellion to sway the Roman governor.
Having already condemned Jesus during the night, the chief priests and elders reassemble at dawn for a formal council to plan how to execute their sentence, realizing they need Roman authority to do so. They decide to bring Jesus before Pilate, fabricating charges of sedition and tax rebellion to sway the Roman governor.
"When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor." — Right at the start of the Passion narrative, the verse emphasizes that the leaders weren't just thinking about Jesus's fate; they "took counsel against Jesus to put him to death." This highlights the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
