This verse, Matthew 27:1, describes a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative of Jesus. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when morning had come...": This sets the scene. It's the morning after Jesus' arrest and overnight imprisonment.
"...all the chief priests and the elders of the people...": These were the leading members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The chief priests were high-ranking religious officials, often from wealthy and influential families. The elders were respected leaders, often representing prominent families or groups within Jewish society. "The people" refers to the Jewish populace.
"...took counsel against Jesus...": They held a formal meeting or deliberation specifically to decide what to do with Jesus. The word "counsel" implies a planned and coordinated effort, not just a spontaneous decision.
"...to put him to death:": Their predetermined objective was to execute Jesus. This wasn't about justice or finding the truth; they had already decided on the outcome and were now figuring out how to achieve it.
In essence, the verse means: As soon as morning arrived, the most powerful Jewish leaders gathered together and formally decided that their goal was to execute Jesus.
Important implications and context:
Formal Conspiracy: It highlights the formal and deliberate nature of the plot against Jesus. This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully planned conspiracy.
Abuse of Power: The Sanhedrin, who were supposed to uphold justice, were using their power to orchestrate an unjust execution.
Prelude to the Trial: This verse is the beginning of the account of Jesus' trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. They needed Roman approval to carry out a death sentence, which is why their "counsel" was necessary.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christians believe this verse fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and condemned by his own people.
This verse, Matthew 27:1, describes a pivotal moment in the Passion narrative of Jesus. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now when morning had come...": This sets the scene. It's the morning after Jesus' arrest and overnight imprisonment.
"...all the chief priests and the elders of the people...": These were the leading members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The chief priests were high-ranking religious officials, often from wealthy and influential families. The elders were respected leaders, often representing prominent families or groups within Jewish society. "The people" refers to the Jewish populace.
"...took counsel against Jesus...": They held a formal meeting or deliberation specifically to decide what to do with Jesus. The word "counsel" implies a planned and coordinated effort, not just a spontaneous decision.
"...to put him to death:": Their predetermined objective was to execute Jesus. This wasn't about justice or finding the truth; they had already decided on the outcome and were now figuring out how to achieve it.
In essence, the verse means: As soon as morning arrived, the most powerful Jewish leaders gathered together and formally decided that their goal was to execute Jesus.
Important implications and context:
Formal Conspiracy: It highlights the formal and deliberate nature of the plot against Jesus. This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully planned conspiracy.
Abuse of Power: The Sanhedrin, who were supposed to uphold justice, were using their power to orchestrate an unjust execution.
Prelude to the Trial: This verse is the beginning of the account of Jesus' trial before Pilate, the Roman governor. They needed Roman approval to carry out a death sentence, which is why their "counsel" was necessary.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christians believe this verse fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being rejected and condemned by his own people.