SANHEDRINCOMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 158
Mark 14:53 “And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. 54 And Peter followed Him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against Him, but their witness agreed not together.”
(Mark 14:53-56; Matt 26:57-60; Luke 22:54-55; John 18:13-16)
THE CONFRONTATION AND THE RESPONSE
INTRODUCTION
The scene is an awesome one in which the powers of darkness have been given leave to converge upon the Son of God – Jesus of Nazareth, who had invaded their Kingdom. He had released multitudes that were under their power, casting out demons with His word (Matt 8:16) and “the finger of God” (Lk 11:20). Until this very moment, Satan could not hold a prolonged discussion with Jesus, much less cause harm to come upon Him, or in any way restrict Him. Again, he could not touch Jesus when He was born, when He was two years of age, twelve years of age, or any other time during His life. He had been summarily frustrated in every attempt to raise up enemies against Him, cause Him to sin, or in any way thwart what was He was doing, or stop what He was saying. But during this hour, a judgment has been made in heaven to deliver up Jesus to these very powers. It has been done, Matthew records, “that the Scriptures might be fulfilled” (Matt 26:56). Jesus is not merely turned over to the powers of darkness. There is Divine purpose being worked out here – a purpose that had been declared of old. The powers of darkness are really tools in the hands of God – or vessels of dishonor, to be used in the execution of His purpose. Who but God can use His enemies to fulfill His purposes? Satan cannot do such a thing. He cannot employ holy angels to do His work, or those who are living by faith and walking in the Spirit. Yet, God can use Him and His forces at will, giving them leave to express their hatred and malice, yet fully controlling it so that only His purposes are actually fulfilled. Now we will see how Satan will work, when once he is given liberty to move about in stratagem designed to bring an end to Jesus. To show the greatness of Jesus, even at this point, Satan will not throw Him to the ground as He did a demon possessed boy, or strike Him with boils, blindness of dumbness.
THEY LED HIM AWAY TO THE HIGH PRIEST
“ Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.”
Now that Jesus is, in a way, in the hands of the powers of darkness, what will they do? Jesus did not limit this hour to the execution of the will of the high priest, and the chief priests, scribes, elders, Sadducees and Pharisees. He plainly said, “but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Lk 22:53). Other version s read, “when darkness reigns,” NIV “and the authority of the dark power,” BBE “and the dominion of darkness,” CSB “the time for the power of darkness,” NAB “the time when Satan's power reigns supreme,” LIVING “even the power which darkness gives you!” WILLIAMS and “the power [which] darkness [gives you has its way].” AMPLIFIED
This is a rather complex circumstance – at least from the human point of view. At this time differing kingdoms are all working simultaneously: God’s Kingdom, Satan’s kingdom, and the kingdom of men. There is heavenly authority at work, Satanic authority, and human authority – and they are all working simultaneously. If you can get high enough, there really is no competition here. God is over all, and He is controlling the powers of darkness, ensuring that they do not step so much as one millimeter beyond His will. Satan is controlling the only ones he can possibly control, which are those who are not living unto God, and are thus opposed to Him. The people, although they think they are only doing their will, are actually under the control of darkness, which is under the control of God. In this way, it is really God’s will that is being carried out – even though, in a limited sense, it was also the will of the people and the will of the powers of darkness. However, because God is over all, this is a circumstance that is controlled by God Himself. He is using personalities in strict keeping with their nature, whether men or wicked spirits. Later, when Peter saw matters clearly, he interpreted the events that commenced on this dark night. “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God”(Acts 2:23). This same understanding was obtained by the collective church, and is seen in their prayer when faced with opposition: “For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done” (Acts 4:27-28).
This did not relieve any of those involved of their guilt, for none of them were forced to act in contradiction of their nature. Rather, they were given leave to do what they wanted. God does not employ dishonorable vessels for honorable purposes, nor can Satan marshal honorable vessels for dishonorable purposes.
Now, we will see the manner in which the powers of darkness will set out to do their will, and how it will be manifested in the men they are controlling. Their actions, while wicked in the extreme, will be coordinated in heaven, and caused to fulfill God’s will. All of this is accomplished with Satan and His powers, as well as those who are being controlled by them, all the while actually doing the will of God.
THEY LED JESUS AWAY TO THE HIGH PRIEST. The “chief priests” had sent these soldiers (Matt 26:47; Mk 14:43; John 18:3), and now they return with their prey to the high priest. When Jesus is taken, it is through the hands of religion men. Judas, one of His own disciples, betrayed Him. Jewish chief priests, scribes, elders, and Pharisees plotted out the plan. Jewish soldiers from the chief priests made the arrest. Now, Jesus is led away to the highest position in he Jewish community – the high priest.
Matthew tells us this was “Caiaphas the high priest” (Matt 26:57). Luke tells us they brought Jesus to the personal dwelling of the high priest – “the high priest’s house” (Lk 22:54). His “house” is also identified as a “palace” (Matt26:3,58; Mk 14:54; John 18:15). John provides some preliminary details that are not given by the others. He states that they “led Him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year” (John 18:13). We learn from Luke that “Annas and Caiaphas” were both high priests when the word of the Lord came to John the Baptist (Lk 3:2). When the apostles were first opposed, Annas and Caiaphas were still functioning together (Acts 4:6). This unholy duo had been operating for over four years, including a period prior to Christ’s ministry, and one following His enthronement in heaven. They probably appeared invincible at that time. It is supposed by some that the group went first to Annas to obtain advice on how to proceed. They might also had taken him to be with them at the proceedings that would be carried out in the palace of Caiaphas. John also identifies Caiaphas as the one who said it was expedient for one man to die for the people (John 18:14; 11:49-52) – words that he did not speak out of himself (John 11:51).
WITH HIM WERE ASSEMBLED. An unholy assembly was waiting at the palace of Caiaphas: chief priests (leaders), elders (counselors), and scribes (teachers). These were the religious leaders – the kind that had been ordained by God. The Pharisees and Sadducees, offices created by men, are not mentioned in connection with these proceedings.
AND PETER FOLLOWED HIM AFAR OFF
“ 54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.”
Although Jesus had told the arresting soldiers to let His disciples go their way (John 18:8), and although it is written that they “forsook” Him and “fled” (Matt 26:56; Mk 14:50), yet at least two of them came back to follow the motley procession from a distance. Having been with Jesus for over three years, and never once seeing Him in any kind of threatening danger, they were no doubt confused by the events of that night – events concerning which they will receive illumination following the ascension of Jesus into the heavens.
PETER FOLLOWED HIM. Other versions read, “at a distance,” NKJV “from afar off,” DOUAY “a great way off,” PNT and “far behind.” LIVING You might say this was a safe distance – one in which he could not be recognized. Peter had an undeniable interest in the Savior, yet his fear would not permit him to follow closely. Although the Scriptures were being fulfilled in the abandonment of the disciples (Mk 14:27), yet their natures were also revealed in that desertion. At this time, Peter was dominated more by fear than love, “for fear hath torment” (1 John 4:18). Thus, in a single evening, the very man who drew his sword and was willing to launch an initiative against a multitude, was reduced to a state where he followed Jesus (for he was following “Him”) “afar off.”
There are still people like Peter, who have enough interest in Jesus to follow Him, but can only pursue Him at a distance, because they are dominated by fear. They are like the chief rulers who “believed on” Jesus, “but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). This was also the reaction of the parents of a certain blind man who was healed by Jesus. When asked the means through which their son was healed, although they knew the cause, they told the inquirers to ask their son. It is written that they did this “because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22). As it is written, “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Prov 29:25).
John tells us that Peter was not by himself when he followed Jesus: “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest” (John 18:15). This disciple is not named, although it is generally supposed that it was John. This view seems to agree with the fact that John says he personally beheld the closing events associated with Christ’s death (John 19:35). Jewish historians say that John was familiar with the high priest because he delivered fish to his house when occupied with the fishing trade. NONNUS/as reported by JOHN GILL That this was John, is also supported by the fact that Jesus sent these two disciples to prepare for the feast that was observed on this very night (Lk 22:8).
Peter and John both had other brothers (Andrew and James), yet Jesus sent them out together, and in the book of Acts they continued to minister together (3:1,3,11; 4:13,19; 8:14). Spiritual relationships are more strong than that of flesh and blood.
THE PALACE OF THE HIGH PRIEST. Peter followed “even into the palace of the high priest.” Another version reads, “right into the courtyard of the high priest.” Matthew adds that he, after arriving at the palace, “went in” (Matt 26:58). John provides some additional information, saying that the other disciple “went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest,” while Peter initially “stood at the door without.” The “other disciple,” who was known by the high priest, “went out” and spoke to a woman who was the doorkeeper, and then “brought in Peter” (John 18:15-16). This fact also supports the idea that this was not a disciple outside of the twelve, for it is not likely that someone who was actually not chosen to be close with Jesus would have been so bold as to accompany Jesus into the palace, and then exercise his influence to see to it that Peter was also allowed to come in. The picture here is of a large palace, surrounded by a courtyard, which was accessed through a gate. This is still the manner in which houses are build in the Middle East.
HE SAT WITH THE SERVANTS. It did take some boldness to assume a place among the servants of the high priest. Yet, Peter apparently did this in an unassuming manner, so as not to draw attention to himself. How uncomfortable he must have felt in those hostile surroundings! Yet, Peter did not know what was happening, and so out of his untutored curiosity, sat with the servants. Matthew reports that he did so “to see the end,” or “outcome” NASB or “how this would end” NRSV (Matt 26:58). Some of the paraphrased versions read, “to see what was going to be done to Jesus,” LIVING “to see what would happen.” IE We have no idea what he was thinking, but the events that follow confirm he was not hopeful about the outcome.
HE WARMED HIMSELF BY THE FIRE. Peter did not do this because he was endeared to these servants, but because he sought warmth by a fire that had been kindled there. Luke reports, “And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them” (Luke 22:55). Not only was it night, it was cold!
THEY SOUGHT FOR WITNESS AGAINST JESUS
“ 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.”
This was a legal proceeding – an attempt to condemn, Jesus by means of Jewish law – the very Law that God Himself had given. Later, not knowing that they had done this, Pilate had admonished them to take Jesus and “judge Him according to your law.” At that time, the Jews responded, “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death” (John 18:31). They had certainly not thought this when they formerly “sought to kill Him” (John 5:18), “took . . . up stones to cast at Him” (John 8:58), and “took up stones again to kill Him” (John 10:31). They thought nothing of it when they stoned Stephen later (Acts 7:58-60). However, under the Roman rule, they were not as free to do this as they had been before. Thoughtful people would not have pursued the death of Christ. However, these people had rejected the Lord’s Christ, were filled with hatred, and were being controlled by the devil. Additionally, the time appointed by God in which Jesus would lay down His life had come, and these wicked men will prove to be suitable for the carrying out of some of the matters related to that death.
SANHEDRINTHE CHIEF PRIESTS AND ALL THE COUNCIL. Matthew reads, “the chief priests, and elders, and all the council” (Matt 26:59). We understand “the council” to be the same as the “Sanhedrin,” a term that is not used in the King James Version, but is used in the NIV. The word “council” is a transliteration of the Greek word sune,drion (sunedrion). This council consisted of representatives from three main groups among the Jews: the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. Traditionally the numbers were 24 priests, 24 elders, and 22 scribes. McCLINTOK-STRONG The total number was seventy. Jewish tradition says it was formed in keeping with the number of men who were chosen to judge with Moses – seventy in number (Num 11:16-24). These are also said to be paralleled with seventy men referred to as “the ancients of Israel” in Ezekiel 8:11-12.
This was a meeting that had been previously convened – probably at the time they sent out the soldiers to apprehend Jesus. Among the Jewish leaders, there was a near-perfect unity in their opposition to Christ Jesus. Earlier during Christ’s ministry, when these same leaders convened to condemn Jesus, Nicodemus, who had came to Jesus by night, had spoken in His defense: “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51). However, no voice will be raised in behalf of the Lord on this night, for this is His enemies “hour, and the power of darkness.”
SOUGHT FOR WITNESS. They go about to condemn Jesus through the Law, which Jesus Himself had magnified and made honorable (Isa 42:21). So contemptible is the defiled religion mind, that it will attempt to justify ungodliness with the Word of God itself. The Law was very precise about capital punishment: “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death” (Deut 17:6). Matthew therefore says they “sought false witnesses” (Matt 26:59). Now, the official court of the Jews seeks for witnesses who will justify the passing of the death sentence upon Jesus. When the Lord had walked among them, He challenged them to convince Him of sin – any sin (John 8:46). They could not do it, for Satan “had nothing” in Him (John 14:30). Concerning His life prior to this time, Jesus had told His disciples earlier that evening, “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love” (John 15:10). However, even though His enemies have not been able to level a valid charge at Him in over three years, they now call for witnesses who will validate their hatred of Him.
THEIR WITNESS AGREED NOT TOGETHER. In an effort to please the Council, and also to rid themselves of Jesus, “many bare false witness against Him.” Perhaps some restated the charge that He was “a Samaritan, and hast a devil” (John 8:48), while others may have said He had done what was “not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day” (Matt 12:2). However, at the end of the session, “their witness agreed not together,” or “their testimony was not consistent.” NASB The point to be seen here was that the Council was not seeking a valid charge, but an agreement on any false charge. They already knew that a legitimate charge could not be leveled against Jesus of Nazareth – they had tried in vain to do this for over three years. They knew that any charge against Him would have to be a lie. Therefore, they sought “false witnesses.”
Whatever we may think about believers being criticized, it is our business to see to it that no one can register a legitimate complaint against us. This is why Paul said of those who contradict believers, that they might be ashamed “having no evil thing to say of you” (Tit 2:8). It is also why Peter wrote of those “who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ” (1 Pet 3:16), being put to shame by their godly manner of life (1 Pet 2:12,15). Jesus lived this out!