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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX:
THE LAST DAYS OF JESUS CHRIST

[“The Final Test”]
(Key word: Passover)

Matthew 26:1-2 – Two Days Before Execution

|| Mark 14:1a; Luke 22:1

MT26:1 Now it occurred when Jesus finished all these words 1583 he told his disciples,

1583	These words: Or, GDSP: this discourse.

MT26:2 “You realize that after two days the Passover takes place; 1584 and, the Son of Humankind will be turned in to be executed.” 1585

1584	The Passover takes place: Or, BER: the Passover is celebrated. It must be about Nisan 12 and the moon is waxing. Luke 22:1 adds, “… the festival of the unfermented cakes.” This was a festival lasting eight days beginning Nisan 14 at sundown (Exodus chapter 12).

1585	To be executed: The Greek is STAUROTHENAI and literally means “to be impaled on a stake” though most would prefer the Latin derivatives, “crucified.” Research the Greek STAUROO.

Matthew 26:3-5 – Plotting to Seize Jesus

|| Mark 14:1b, 2; Luke 22:2

MT26:3 Now when the chief priests and [Jewish] elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the chief priest Caiaphas, 1586

1586	Caiaphas: His name occurs 9 times in the Christian Bible. He held his office during the life of Jesus (Luke 3:2). He was related by marriage to High Priest Annas (John 18:13) He is right at the center of the execution of Jesus and the persecution of the early Christians.

MT26:4 they all took counsel to arrest Jesus and kill him 1587 by some shrewd trick. 1588

1587	Kill him: The responsibility for the death of Jesus is laid squarely upon the Jewish hierarchy.

1588	Shrewd trick: Or, KJV: subtlety; RSV: stealth; RIEU: stratagem; PME: trick.

MT26:5 But, they kept telling one another, “Not during the [Passover] festival that we do not create a riot among the people.” 1589

1589	Among the people: Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were by now gathering to Jerusalem from all over the world. The city was packed with people. In the year 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed during this same Passover season, over one million Jews were killed.

Matthew 26:6-13 – A Woman to Be Remembered

|| Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8

MT26:6 Now when Jesus was visiting the house of Simon the leper 1590 in Bethany, 1591

1590	Simon the leper: Some think him that one of Matthew 8:2.

1591	Bethany: That small village a few miles from Jerusalem. Lazarus and his two sisters lived her.

MT26:7 a woman approached Jesus with an alabaster case of very expensive aromatic oil. 1592 While Jesus was reclining at table, she began pouring oil upon his head.

1592	Expensive aromatic oil: The Greek is MYROU. Or, KJV: very precious ointment; NEB: small bottle of fragrant oil, very costly.

MT26:8 But the disciples became indignant 1593 when they observed this, saying, “Why this waste? 1594

1593	Became indignant: Or, RHM: greatly displeased.

1594	Why this waste: Mark 14:5 adds, “… sold for upward of three hundred denarii” and thus gives us its worth: about a year’s wages. It is only John who reveals the real speaker: Judas (John 12:4).

MT26:9 This oil could have been sold for a lot and given to the poor.” MT26:10 Realizing their thinking Jesus told them, “Why trouble this woman? 1595 For she has done something admirable 1596 to me.

1595	Why trouble this woman: Or, RHM: why vex; BER: embarrass; MON: annoying; NOR: don’t find fault with; PME: why make this woman feel uncomfortable.

1596	She has done something admirable: Or, KJV: she hath wrought a good work upon me; RHM: a seemly work; RSV: a beautiful thing; WEY: a gracious thing; KNX: she did well to treat me so; BAS: she has done a kind act.

MT26:11 For you will always have the poor among you. 1597 [Deuteronomy 15:11]

1597

You will always have the poor among you: The phrase is so close to Deuteronomy 15:11 to be a strong allusion. Mark 14:7 adds, “… and whenever you want to you can always do them good.” This was something the apostles kept in mind for Paul writes about his instructions from the apostles at Galatians 2:10, “… we should keep the poor in mind.”

MT26:12 This woman, by putting this aromatic oil on my body, has prepared it for burial. 1598

1598	Has prepared it for burial: Or, MOF: she has acted in view of my burial.

MT26:13 I tell you this truth: Wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the whole world of humanity, what this woman did will be repeated in her memory.” 1599

1599

Repeated in her memory: Or, KNX: to preserve her memory; PME: as her memorial to me; RSV: what she has done will be told in memory of her. Her charity and kindness becomes a permanent part of the Gospel by Jesus’ own command. With our imagined sense of smell we know that throughout the following period our Lord gave off a most pleasurable perfume. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.

Matthew 26:14-16 – The Price of Betrayal

|| Mark 14:10, 11; Luke 22:3-6

MT26:14 It was this time that one of the twelve [apostles], Judas Iscariot, left to approach the chief priests. MT26:15 He asked them, “What will you give me to turn Jesus over to you?” 1600 They negotiated 1601 with Judas for thirty pieces of silver. 1602 [Zechariah 11:12]

1600	What will you give me to turn Jesus over to you: Or, KNX: what will you pay me for handing him over; MON: what are you ready to give me for betraying him to you. Mark 14:11 adds, “When they heard it, they rejoiced.”

1601	Negotiated: Or, KJV: covenanted; NOR: agreed on.

1602	Thirty pieces of silver: The price foretold at Zechariah 11:12. Most interestingly, the price for a slave gored by a bull (Exodus 21:32; compare this to Psalm 22:12). Luke 22:3 adds, “… Satan entered into Judas.”

MT26:16 And so from that moment Judas sought an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Matthew 26:17-19 – Passover Preparations

|| Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13

MT26:17 Now on the first day of the unfermented cakes 1603 the disciples approached Jesus and asked, “Where do you wish to prepare to eat the Passover?”

1603

The first day of the unfermented cakes: There is no universal agreement on this phrase. The Greek PROTE may infer, “the day before,” meaning Nisan 13. Compare Exodus 12:18; Exodus 23:15. Mark 14:12 adds, “… when they customarily sacrificed the Passover.” (Luke 22:7) Nisan 14 would begin at sundown. The Jews had to clear all leaven out of their homes and prepare the sacrificial meal of lamb. In the case of the collection of manna it was to be done the day before Sabbath when they would get a double portion (Exodus 16:5, 22-27; Exodus 20:10). In time “the day before the sabbath” came to be termed “Preparation,” as Mark explained (Mark 15:42). “(The Jews) need not give bond (to appear in court) on the Sabbath or on the day of preparation for it (Sabbath Eve) after the ninth hour (3 PM).” The Jews thus began to prepare for the Sabbath on Friday afternoon, or on those occasions where a special Sabbath fell on another day, the afternoon before [Jewish Antiquities, XVI, 163 (vi, 2)]. Nisan 14 was also a Sabbath day no matter what day it fell on. Friday evening at sundown would begin a high holy day with a double Sabbath (John 19:31, 42; Mark 15:42, 43; Luke 23:54). There is disagreement on these dating of matters.

MT26:18 Jesus told them, “Go into the city and when you face So-and-so say to him, 1604 ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near. 1605 With you I am having the Passover 1606 with my disciples.”’”

1604	When you face So-and-so say to him: Mark 14:13 adds, “… a man carrying an earthenware vessel of water will encounter,” something rare for men so easily identifiable (Luke 22:10). Or, NEB: go to a certain man in the city.

1605

My time is near: Or, NEB: my appointed time is near. How would Jesus know this? It is possible he could calculate the “middle of the week” of Daniel 9:25, 26 or three and a half years after the beginning of the Nazarene’s ministry which would have begun in the Fall of 29. This would be a period of 1,260 days or 42 months.

1606	With you I am having the Passover: Or, KJV: I will keep the Passover at thy house; RHM: with thee will I keep the Passover.

MT26:19 And the disciples did just as Jesus directed them. They prepared the Passover. 1607

1607

They prepared the Passover: According to tradition this would begin late on Nisan 13 some hours before sundown and the beginning of Nisan 14. The first day of the eight-day Passover festival was also a Sabbath no matter the day of the week upon which it fell. This period was called “preparation” and would have occurred twice during this particular year. The disciples would have prepared a lamb, green herbs, unleavened bread, red wine for a dozen people. This was the average family size as the Passover was a family celebration. Even among the Jews there is disagreement about the precise timing: some choosing Nisan 14 and others Nisan 15. “Different opinions have prevailed among the Jews from a very early date as to the precise time intended. Aben Ezra agrees with the Caraites and Samaritans in taking the first evening to be the time when the sun sinks below the horizon, and the second the time of total darkness; in which case, ‘between the two evenings’ would be from 6 o’clock to 7.20…. According to the rabbinical idea, the time when the sun began to descend, viz. from 3 to 5 o’clock, was the first evening, and sunset the second; so that ‘between the two evenings’ was from 3 to 6 o’clock. Modern expositors have very properly decided in favour of the view held by Aben Ezra and the custom adopted by the Caraites and Samaritans.” (Commentary on the Old Testament, 1973, Vol. I, The Second Book of Moses, p. 12)

Matthew 26:20-25 – The Last Passover

|| Mark 14:17-21; Luke 22:14, 21-23; John 13:21-30

MT26:20 Now as it became evening 1608 Jesus was reclining at table with his twelve disciples.

1608	Evening: After true sundown. The full moon is rising.

MT26:21 And while eating [the Passover] with them, he said: “I tell you this truth: One among you will betray me.” MT26:22 Now the disciples were extremely upset 1609 about this and they started to say to one another: “Master, I am not the one am I?”

1609	Extremely upset: Or, KJV: exceedingly sorrowful; KNX: full of sorrow; NASB: deeply grieved; NEB: in great distress; RIEU: sick a heart.

MT26:23 But, Jesus responded to them by saying, “The one who has dipped his hand in the bowl with me is the one who will betray me. MT26:24 Indeed, the Son of Humankind is departing just as it has been written 1610 about him, but woe to the person who betrays the Son of Humankind. It would be better if he was never born.” 1611

1610	Is departing just as it has been written: Exactly where is such written? Jesus had mentioned such a thing earlier at John 6:62. This leaving, departing, or going away is what Daniel 7:13 foretold: someone like a human being would ascend to heaven.

1611	It would be better if he was never born: Or, KJV: it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

MT26:25 Having given this answer, Judas the betrayer, insisted, “It is not me 1612 is it, Rabbi?” Jesus answered him, “You said it.” 1613

1612	It is not me: The height of hypocrisy.

1613	You said it: Or, MON: is it not; RIEU: it is you that have said it; NEB: the words are yours; GDSP: you are right.

Matthew 26:26-30 – Keep Doing This in My Memory

|| Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20

MT26:26 But as they were eating 1614 [the Passover meal], Jesus took some unleavened bread and having blessed it he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take. Eat. This is my body.” 1615

1614

As they were eating: By inspiration Paul clarifies at 1 Corinthians 11:25, “… after he had the evening meal.” Traditional they have eaten from a roasted lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. There were usually four cups of wine at certain moments in the celebration. The disciples would have life long experience that the lamb was emblematic of that deliverance out of Egypt 1,500 years before.

1615

This is my body: Or, MOF: it means my body. Luke 22:19 adds, “… which is to be given in your behalf.” 1 Corinthians 11:24 adds, “… which is in your behalf.” The Nazarene means his perfect human body is to become a redemptive sacrifice. On the body of Jesus compare Romans 7:4; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24; Colossians 1:22; Hebrews 10:5,10; 1 Peter 2:24. We note in Matthew’s account there is no indication of a command to continue this observance. However, note Luke 22:19, “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” Paul states on the basis of inspiration or a personal message from the glorified Lord the same words of Luke with regard to both the loaf and the cup. Paul summarizes the reason for the observance: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) There are several opinions on how often the Memorial (Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper) was to be observed. The historical evidence seems strong that for a very long time Christians observed Nisan 14 as the annual date for the commemoration. It is likely that as the Church wanted more control over the laity the Mass was celebrated more often until it became daily.

MT26:27 Next, Jesus took a cup and after giving thanks he gave it to his disciples, saying, “All of you drink. MT26:28 For this is my blood of the covenant 1616 [Exodus 24:8] about to be poured out for the forgiveness of many sins. 1617

1616

This is my blood of the covenant: The KJV reads: “This is my blood of the new testament,” but other Greek texts omit this here though the phrase is in Luke. The phrase here is an allusion to Exodus 24:8 when the first, or “old” covenant was instituted with Israel. 1 Corinthians 11:25 has this, “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood.” Research the phrase blood of the covenant and new covenant for related texts.

1617

About to be poured out for the forgiveness of many sins: Or, PME: to set many free from their sins. The next historical reference to the blood of Jesus is by Paul at Acts 20:26. Paul goes on to use blood in relation to Christ at Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:25, 27; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:20. Other books refer to the blood: Hebrews uses the word 23 times; 1 Peter 1:2, 19; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 5:6-8; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 12:11.

MT26:29 But, I tell you: From now on I shall not drink from the vine until the day that I drink a new fruitage with you 1618 in my Father’s Kingdom.” 1619

1618	Until the day that I drink a new fruitage with you: Or, RIEU: a new kind of wine with you in the Kingdom; BECK: drink it with you in a new way; LAM: drink it anew with you. He may be referring to the new yield from the vine a new and better vintage.

1619	My Father’s Kingdom: This is not the “kingdom of the heavens,” or, the Realm of Heaven, but the actual celestial government and realm of the Father. Compare notes on Matthew 13:43.

MT26:30 And having sung [Hallel] hymns 1620 they went out into the Mount of Olives.

1620

Sung [Hallel] hymns: Traditionally the Hallel Psalms 112-118 were sung during and at the end of the Passover meal. These are interesting psalms to read within the context of Jesus’ life at this moment, particularly Psalm 118. During Memorial season these are good psalms on which to meditate. Or, NEB: after singing the Passover Hymn.

Matthew 26:31-35 – How All Will Be Stumbled This Night

|| Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:31-34, 39; John 13:36-38

MT26:31 Now at this time Jesus told his disciples, “All of you [apostles] will stumble 1621 because of me this very night. For it has been written, 1622 ‘I shall smite the shepherd and the sheep of the flock 1623 will be scattered.’ [Zechariah 13:7]

1621	Stumble: The Greek is SCANDALISTHESESTHE. BER: scandalized. See notes on the word elsewhere.

1622	It has been written: The Nazarene quotes Zechariah 13:7.

1623	The sheep of the flock: See the “one flock” of John 10:16. See Luke 12:32 and the “little flock” of Jesus’ apostles. Jesus had said he came only for the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ Compare notes on Matthew 10:6 and Matthew 15:24.

MT26:32 But after being raised up 1624 I shall go before you into Galilee.”

1624	Raised up: A synonym for “resurrected.” Compare Paul’s use in 1 Corinthians 15.

MT26:33 But Peter responded: “If all the others are stumbled because of you, I shall never be stumbled!” 1625

1625	I shall never be stumbled: We wonder at Jesus’ expression to this presumptuousness. Or, KJV: never be offended; LAM: never deny you.

MT26:34 Jesus said to him: “I tell you this truth: This very night before the rooster crows three times you [Peter] will deny me.” MT26:35 Peter said to Jesus: “And… if it is necessary for me I will die together with you! Never will I deny you!” Also, all the disciples said the same thing. 1626

1626	All the disciples said the same thing: Or, WEY: in like manner protested all the disciples.

Matthew 26:36-39 – Garden Prayer

|| Mark 14:32-36; Luke 22:40-44

MT26:36 Thereafter Jesus arrived with them to the place called Gethsemane 1627 and Jesus told his disciples, “Sit down here while I go over there where I may pray.”

1627	Gethsemane: Because of its name it may have been an olive grove with a press. Compare John 18:1, 2 and Luke 22:39.

MT26:37 Having taken along with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee [James and John], Jesus started to be grieved 1628 and intensely distressed. 1629

1628	Grieved: Or, KJV: sorrowful; NEB: anguish; NOR: sad; PME: terrible distress.

1629	Intensely distressed: The Greek is A-DEMON-EIN and is also rendered: KJV: very heavy; RSV: great distress; NEB: dismay; WMS: distress of heart; NOR: deeply depressed; PME: misery.

MT26:38 Then Jesus said to the three apostles: “My soul is deeply depressed 1630 to the point of death! Stay here with me 1631 and remain awake.”

1630

Deeply depressed: Or, KJV: exceeding sorrowful; KNX: ready to die with sorrow; NEB: my heart is ready to break with grief; WEY: crushed with anguish. Luke 22:44 adds, “… getting into an agony he continued praying more earnestly; and his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground.” It seems Isaiah 53:3, 10, “… a man meant for pains… Yehowah delighted in crushing him; He caused him to become ill.” The full weight of the world begins to burden his shoulders and a Being who has existed for untold ages since time began is about to face an agonizing death.

1631	Stay here with me: The simple appeal of a friend in dire need which seems impossible to fulfilled. Or, KJV: tarry ye here, and watch with me; RIEU: wait here; GDSP: stay here and keep watch with me. It is clear that “watch” includes prayers.

MT26:39 Now Jesus went forward a little way and fell forward on his face, 1632 praying: “My Father! If it is possible allow this cup 1633 to pass me by. But not as I wish, as You will!” 1634

1632	Jesus went forward a little way and fell forward on his face: Or, ASV: went forward a little; NASB: went a little beyond them; WMS: walked on a few steps and threw himself upon his face; RIEU: prostrated himself in prayer. Luke 22:41 adds, “He himself drew away from them about a stone’s throw.”

1633

This cup: It is the belief of many that this “cup” was the reproachful manner of our Lord’s public execution as an apparent criminal and lawbreaker. Paul applies Psalm 69:9 to Jesus: “The reproaches of those who were reproaching you have fallen upon me.” Jesus also applies Psalm 69:9 to himself (John 2:17). It was not from death Jesus asked to be excused but the reproachful manner. Or, TCNT: let me be spared this cup.

1634	As You will: At this moment the will of the Son is different from that of the Father to whom Jesus bends his own will. The prophecy of Psalm 40:8 must be fulfilled (Hebrews 10:7-9).

Matthew 26:40-47 – Two More Prayers for the Cup to Pass

|| Mark 14:37-43; Luke 22:45-47a

MT26:40 When he returned to the disciples Jesus found them sleeping. Jesus said to Peter: “Peter, are you not strong enough to remain awake even one hour 1635 with me? 1636

1635	Even one hour: Could this reflect the length of time Jesus prayed? The term “hour” indicates a very brief period in contrast to a “day” or “year.”

1636	With me: The affect and impact of dear friends not realizing the danger the Nazarene faced must have hit him hard. The disinterest and desertion of intimate friends is a severe test for anyone.

MT26:41 Stay awake 1637 and continue praying that you do not enter into temptation. 1638 Of course, the spirit is eager but the flesh is weak.” 1639

1637	Stay awake: The warning and command to stay awake and watch is much repeated by the Nazarene. See notes on Matthew 24:42, 43; Matthew 25:13 (Mark 13:23, 33, 35, 37; Luke 21:36).

1638	Praying that you do not enter into temptation: See notes on Matthew 6:13.Compare 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Timothy 6:9. Or, NEB: spared the test; GDSP: pray that you may not be exposed to trial.

1639	The spirit is eager but the flesh is weak: Or, WMS: man’s spirit is will but human nature is weak; WEY: the body is frail.

MT26:42 Now again for the second time Jesus went off [a distance] to pray. He said: “My Father! If it is possible allow this cup to pass me by so I do not have to drink it! Let Your will take place!” MT26:43 Now when Jesus returned he again found his disciples sleeping because their eyelids were heavy. 1640

1640	Their eyelids were heavy: Mark 14:40 adds, “so they did not know what to answer him.” Luke 22:45 adds the reason, “… slumbering from grief.” Often sleep is an escape from fear, anxiety or grief.

MT26:44 And Jesus left them to pray and repeat for the third time 1641 the very same words again.

1641

The third time: Luke 22:43, 44 adds, “Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. But getting into an agony he continued praying more earnestly; and his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground.” (NW) The night air must be crisp or frigid as later accounts indicate. To sweat in these conditions indicates the severity of the Nazarene’s concern. Sweating blood indicates a rare sickness (diapedesis) in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:10. Some see this only as a metaphor to describe the sweat.

MT26:45 Returning to his disciples Jesus told them, “At this final moment you [disciples] are sleeping and taking your rest. Look! The hour 1642 has drawn near. The Son of Humankind is to be turned over to the hands of sinners.

1642	Hour: A word indicating a short time within only hours and not a prolonged period. Research the word hour.

MT26:46 Get up and let us leave. Look! My betrayer is approaching now!” MT26:47 And while Jesus was still speaking, look! Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a large crowd having swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people.

Matthew 26:48-56 – Betrayal by Judas and Arrest of Jesus

|| Mark 14:44-50; Luke 22:47b-53; John 18:2-11

MT26:48 Now the one who was going to hand over Jesus had given them a sign, saying, “The One I am likely to kiss is him. Seize him!” MT26:49 So Judas ran 1643 and approached Jesus and called out, “Greetings, Rabbi!” 1644 He then gently kissed Jesus. 1645

1643	Ran: The Greek is EU-THEOS (good + ran). The root of THEOS (God) is from the Greek for “running” or motion.

1644	Greetings, Rabbi: Or, ASV: Hail, Rabbi; WEY: peace to you; WMS: good evening. The Greek KHAIRE is a general greeting which is rooted in “rejoice.”

1645	Gently kissed Jesus: Or, WMS: affectionately kissed him; NW: kissed him very tenderly. The Judas-kiss.

MT26:50 But, Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, 1646 why are you here?” At that moment the crowd came at Jesus and grabbed him and arrested him.

1646	Friend: Or, MOF: My man; NW: fellow. The NIV Spanish uses Amigo here.

MT26:51 Now, look! one of the apostles with Jesus reached for his sword and unsheathed it. [Peter] 1647 struck the slave of the chief priest and slashed off his ear.

1647	Peter: John 18:10 adds, “Then Simon Peter, as he had a sword…”

MT26:52 It was then Jesus told [Peter]: “Return your sword to its scabbard. For all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. MT26:53 Is it unthinkable on your part that I am unable to plead to my Father so that He will furnish me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels? MT26:54 This is how the Scriptures should be fulfilled 1648 because it was necessary for this to occur.”

1648

The Scriptures should be fulfilled: John 18:6-9 adds, “However, when he said to them: ‘I am [he],’ they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore he asked them again: ‘Whom are you looking for?’ They said: ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ Jesus answered: ‘I told you I am [he]. If, therefore, it is I you are looking for, let these go’; in order that the word might be fulfilled which he said: ‘Of those whom you have given me I have not lost a single one.’” (NW) See John 6:39. Compare Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. Daniel 9:26 foretells: “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah will be cut off, with nothing for himself.” This is the end of three and a half years beginning in the fall of 29 CE. Psalm 41:9 predicted: “Also the man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, who was eating my bread, has magnified [his] heel against me.” John 13:18 quotes this Psalm and applies it to Judas, the betrayer of Jesus.

MT26:55 Then at that moment Jesus asked the mob, “Did you come out with swords and clubs to drop upon me like a thief to arrest me? Day after day I sat in the Temple area teaching and you did not attempt to arrest me. MT26:56 But this whole matter has occurred so that the Writings of the Prophets might be fulfilled.” Right then all the disciples deserted Jesus and escaped.

Matthew 26:57-58 – To Caiaphas

|| Mark 14:53, 54; Luke 22:54, 55; John 18:24

MT26:57 Those who arrested Jesus led him off to 1649 Caiaphas the high priest where the Scribes and elders were gathered together. 1650

1649	Led him off to: From the garden on the Mount of Olives hill this mob must have moved in the night through parts of the city. Surely in the night crowd noises would be heard on some city streets.

1650	Were gathered together: The religious hierarchy is already waiting in the first of a series of star-chamber courts.

MT26:58 Now Peter was following from a distance until he entered the courtyard of the chief priest and sat down with the underlings 1651 to witness the end. 1652

1651	Underlings: The Greek is HYPERETON and may be rendered: KJV: servants; NW: subordinates; ASV: officers; RSV: guards.

1652

To witness the end: The Greek is TO TELOS and is also rendered: KJV: to see the end; NASB: the outcome; WEY: the issue. Luke 22:55 adds, “When they lit a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter was sitting in among them.” John 18:16 adds, “Therefore the other disciple (John), who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.”

Matthew 26:59-68 – False Witnesses and the Charge of Blasphemy

|| Mark 14:55-65; Luke 22:63-71

MT26:59 But the religious hierarchy 1653 and the entire Sanhedrin Court 1654 were seeking false testimony against Jesus 1655 so that they might execute him.

1653	Religious hierarchy: The Greek is HARCHIEREIS from which “hierarchy” comes.

1654	Sanhedrin Court: Or, BECK: the whole Jewish court. Research Sanhedrin for notes elsewhere.

1655	Seeking false testimony against Jesus: Or, RIEU: were casting about for evidence against Jesus; NEB: some allegation against Jesus on which a death-sentence could be based.

MT26:60 They discovered none who would come forward as pseudo evidentiary. 1656 But at last two ‘witnesses’ came forward.

1656	Pseudo evidentiary: The Greek is PSEUDO-MARTYRON. Or, KJV: false witnesses. Mark 14:59 adds, “But neither on these grounds was their testimony in agreement.”

MT26:61 One person claimed, “[Jesus] said, ‘I can tear down this Sanctuary 1657 of The God and within three days reconstruct 1658 it.’”

1657	Sanctuary: The Greek is NAON a Divine Habitat and refers to the inner shrine of the Temple. Research temple or NAOS. Or, KJV: temple; RHM: shrine; GDSP: sanctuary.

1658	Reconstruct: Or, RIEU: build it. This charge is taken from John 2:19.

MT26:62 Now the chief priest Caiaphas rose and said to Jesus, “Have you no answer? What about these testimonies against you?” MT26:63 However, Jesus remained silent. 1659 Then the chief priest Caiaphas told Jesus, “I put you under oath down here before the Living God 1660 so that you should tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of The God.” 1661

1659	Jesus remained silent: In fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7.

1660	I put you under oath down here before the Living God: This is the adjuration formula inferred in Leviticus 5:1. Or, KJV: I adjure you; RHM: I put thee on oath; NEB: I charge you.

1661	The Messiah, the Son of The God: The high priest has in mind Psalm 2:1, 7 and whether Jesus claims to be the Anointed One of that Psalm. Peter quotes this Psalm at Acts 4:24-26 and Paul refers to it in a Jewish synagogue (Acts 13:33-35).

MT26:64 Jesus said to the priest, “You said it. 1662 Yet I tell all of you: In the future 1663 all of you will see the Son of Humankind sitting on the right-hand 1664 of the Power and returning 1665 upon the clouds of the sky.” [Daniel 7:13; Psalm 110:1]

1662	You said it: A Hebraism meaning “Yes.” In English it remains a positive statement to this day. Or, KNX: your own lips have said it; MON: I am he; GDSP: it is true. And, thus the response from the priest.

1663	In the future: Or, RIEU: the time has come; NEB: from now one, you will see; BER: shortly you shall see; MOF: in the future you will all see. It is possibly a Hebraism which means, “You will live to see…” or, “you will still be alive when such and such is fulfilled.”

1664	The Son of Humankind sitting on the right-hand: This is a conflate or compound paraphrase of Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 – a combination which appears several times. Note Daniel 7:13 refers to the ascension to heaven of “a son of man” and is seen from Daniel’s heavenly perspective (Daniel 7:15).

1665

Returning: The Greek word in both Daniel 7:13 (LXX) and here is a form of ERCHOMENON which may meaning coming, leaving, returning. It is virtually a synonym for PAROUSIA judging from the uses in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It seems to some that it is possible Jesus is referring to his foretold ascension to heaven as Daniel 7:13 predicts. On these details see commentaries in Nazarene Apocalypse© under Daniel 7:13 or ERCHOMENON (Parousia). Compare the parallel readings at Mark 14:62 and Luke 22:69. See how this was fulfilled in Acts 7:54-57 and note who was present then (John 6:62; Acts 1:9-11).

MT26:65 At that the chief priest Caiaphas ripped his outer garments, screaming, “He blasphemed! 1666 Why do we need witnesses? See, you just heard the blasphemy!

1666	He blasphemed: The priest realizes the answer of Jesus is, “Yes.”

MT26:66 How does it seem to you?” But, these answered, ‘He is liable to death!’ MT26:67 Then they all spit into his face and hit him with their fists. Others slapped Jesus, MT26:68 asking, “Prophesy 1667 to us, ‘Messiah’! Who just slapped you?”

1667

Prophesy: Note that the word PROPHETEUSON may be used in a broader since of speaking rather than just predicting something. Mark 14:65 adds, “… to spit on him and to cover his whole face and hit him with their fists.” Luke 22:65 adds, “And they went on saying many other things in blasphemy against him.”

Matthew 26:69-75 – Peter’s Denial

|| Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:16-18, 25-27

MT26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl approached him and asked, “Are you also with Jesus the Galilean?” MT26:70 But Peter denied this before all of them, saying, “I have no idea what you are talking about!” MT26:71 Now after having gone out into the entry another servant girl saw him and told the others, “This one was with Jesus the Nazarene!” MT26:72 And, again [the second time] Peter denied it with a sworn vow, “I have never known the person!” MT26:73 But a moment later when Peter approached those standing around, they said to Peter, “For sure you are from among them for your accent 1668 betrays you!”

1668	Your accent: Or, ASV: thy speech maketh thee known; NEB: your accent gives you away; BECK: anyone can tell by the way you talk. Compare this matter of the dialect or accent at Acts 2:7.

MT26:74 At this Peter started using profanity and cursing, 1669 “I never knew the person!” And instantly the roaster crowed.

1669	Profanity and cursing: Or, RSV: to invoke a curse on himself and to swear; GDSP: to swear with the strongest oaths.

MT26:75 So it was now Peter remembered what Jesus had told him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” With that Peter went outside weeping bitterly. 1670

1670

Weeping bitterly: Our hearts, though shocked by his failure at this moment of test, go out to Peter, for we can only wonder how we would have responded. Fear of what others think is one of the Devil’s greatest tools. Remember, Peter had also failed to remain awake in prayer to avoid future temptations. We can trace his denial back to his lack of prayer.