HarperCollins Study Bible

by Harold W. Attridge

  Jesus before the High Priest

  57Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. 59Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, 60but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” 62The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” 63But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah,f the Son of God.” 64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you,

  From now on you will see the Son of Man

  seated at the right hand of Power

  and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

  65Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, 68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah!g Who is it that struck you?”

  Peter’s Denial of Jesus

  69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”h 72Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. 75Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

  next chapter

  * * *

  a The terms leper and leprosy can refer to several diseases

  b Or gospel

  c Other ancient authorities add disciples

  d Other ancient authorities add new

  e Or into temptation

  f Or Christ

  g Or Christ

  h Gk the Nazorean

  26.1–28.20 The passion and resurrection narratives follow the Markan outline and, like Mark, contain many allusions to the psalms of lament and to the suffering servant of Isa 52.13–53.12.

  26.1–5 Cf. Mk 14.1–2; Lk 22.1–2; also cf. Jn 11.47–53.

  26.1 When Jesus had finished. The closing formula to Jesus’ fifth discourse (see note on 7.28).

  26.2 Passover, a seven-day Israelite spring festival combined with the Feast of Unleavened Bread (see v. 17), celebrating the exodus from Egyptian slavery to freedom (see Ex 12.14–27; 34.18; see also note on 2.13–15). The term also refers especially to the period extending from the evening of the first day, the day of Preparation (27.62), when the lamb was slaughtered at the temple (Ex 12.6), to the ensuing evening when the meal was eaten, and to the meal itself (see 26.17). Son of Man. See notes on 8.20; 16.21–23. Handed over, or “betrayed,” a key theme; see note on 10.4.

  26.3 Chief priests. See notes on 2.4; 21.15. Elders of the people. See note on 16.21. The palace (lit. “courtyard” cf. vv. 69–75) of Caiaphas, mentioned only in Matthew, is of uncertain location, but was probably in the wealthy quarter of the Upper City of Jerusalem. Caiaphas held the office of high priest from 18 to 36/7 CE (see vv. 57–66; Lk 3.2; Jn 11.49–53; Acts 4.6; Josephus, Antiquities 18.26, 35, 95), a lengthy term that suggests cooperation with the Romans. A family tomb with several chambers containing ossuaries (boxes for reburial of bones), including one with the inscription “Joseph son of Caiaphas” (i.e., Joseph Caiaphas; see Josephus, Antiquities 18.34), was discovered in the Peace Forest south of the old city of Jerusalem in 1990. It is probably the tomb of Caiaphas’s family (called “Caiaphas’s Tomb”). Conspired. Jerusalem authorities replace Pharisees in the plot (cf. 3.7; 12.14); Festival, e.g., Passover.

  26.5 Riots, common at festivals (see 27.24; Josephus, War 1.88).

  26.6–13 Cf. Mk 14.3–9; Lk 7.36–50; Jn 12.1–8. On women, see Introduction; note on 9.18–26.

  26.6 Bethany. See note on 21.17. Simon the leper, otherwise unmentioned in Matthew, but see 8.2–4.

  26.7 Alabaster, a soft cream-colored, marble-like stone. Jar, “flask” (archaeology). Poured it on his head, probably an act of hospitality (see Lk 7.46), but perhaps an allusion to the coronation ritual for a king (see note on 1.1; cf. 26.12).

  26.9 On concern for the poor, see 19.21; 25.31–46; see note on 5.3; for social ranking in the Roman Empire, see Introduction.

  26.11 Always have the poor with you, perhaps echoing Deut 15.11.

  26.12 Burial. See 27.57–61.

  26.13 Truly I tell you. See vv. 21, 29, 34; note on 5.18. This good news (see text note b) perhaps includes the author’s written Gospel (see 24.14; see also 4.23; 9.35). The whole world. See 24.14; 28.19. The story (vv. 6–12) is told in remembrance of her, yet she is unnamed.

  26.14–16 Cf. Mk 14.10–11; Lk 22.3–6; Jn 11.57.

  26.14 Judas Iscariot. The betrayer’s membership in the inner circle of the Twelve is emphasized (see 10.1–4; 26.20–25, 47–50).

  26.15 Betray. See note on 17.22. Thirty pieces of silver, the value of an injured slave (Ex 21.32), but clearly an allusion to Zech 11.12–13 (see also Mt 27.3–10).

  26.17–25 Cf. Mk 14.12–21; Lk 22.7–14, 21–23; Jn 13.21–26.

  26.17 First day, the day of Preparation (see note on 26.2). Unleavened Bread, an alternate name for Passover. Leaven was left out of bread during the entire festival (see Ex 12.15–20; 13.3–10).

  26.20 The twelve. See note on 10.1.

  26.21 Betray. See note on 17.22.

  26.22 Lord. See note on 7.21.

  26.23 Dipped. The practice was common; it is mentioned here to emphasize that the betrayer broke the bond of those who eat together (see Ps 41.9).

  26.24 As is written of him. The text referred to here is not known (cf. 16.21–23; Mk 8.31; see also Isa 52.13–53.12). Woe, here a curse oracle (see note on 11.21).

  26.25 Rabbi, a title used of Jesus only by opponents and Judas (see v. 49; note on 23.7). You have said so, a cryptic answer probably meaning “yes,” but with a qualification (see v. 64; 27.11).

  26.26–30 Cf. Mk 14.22–26; Lk 22.15–20, 39; see also 1Cor 11.23–25.

  26.26 Took bread…blessing…broke…gave, the acts and words of the head of the household before Israelite meals and before the main meal at Passover (see also 14.19). This is my body. See 1 Cor 10.16–17.

  26.28 Israelites were forbidden to drink blood (see Lev 17.10–14; Acts 15.20), but blood was used to ratify a covenant (see Ex 24.6–8; Zech 9.11; see also Jer 31.31–34). Poured out for many denotes a view of Jesus’ death as sacrificial atonement (see Lev 16.21; Isa 53.10–12; Mk 10.45; Rom 3.25; 5.9; Didache 14.1 for the Eucharist as sacrifice). Forgiveness of sins. See 1.21; 6.12, 14–15; 9.6; 18.21–35.

  26.29 That day, i.e., of the future messianic banquet (see note on 8.11).

  26.30 The hymn, probably from the Hallel (see note on 21.9). Mount of Olives. See note on 24.3.

  26.31–35 Cf. Mk 14.27–31; Lk 22.31–34; Jn 13.36–38.

  26.31 All become deserters. See v. 56; see also note on 13.21. The quotation is from Zech 13.7; see also Isa 53.6.

  26.32 The prediction is restated in 28.7, fulfilled in 28.16–20.

  26.34 The prediction is fulfilled in vv. 69–75. On three denials, see note on 1.2–6a.

  26.36–46 Cf. Mk 14.32–42; Lk 22.40–46; see also Jn 18.1.

  26.36 Gethsemane (Hebrew for “oil press”), an unknown site some
where on the west side of the Mount of Olives (see v. 30).

  26.37 Peter and…two sons of Zebedee. See notes on 4.21; 17.1.

  26.38 Stay awake. See 24.42; 25.13; 26.40–41. This cup. See note on 20.22.

  26.40 Sleeping. See also vv. 43, 45.

  26.41 Time of trial. See 6.13.

  26.42 Your will be done. See 6.10.

  26.45 The Son of Man is betrayed. See notes on 8.20; 10.4.

  26.47–56 Cf. Mk 14.43–50; Lk 22.47–53; Jn 18.3–11.

  26.47 A large crowd, here obviously hostile (see note on 4.25). Chief priests…elders of the people. See v. 3.

  26.48 Kiss, a form of greeting; cf. Lk 15.20.

  26.49 Rabbi. See note on 26.25.

  26.50 Friend, probably sarcastic (see 20.13; 22.12; note on 26.23).

  26.51 The one with Jesus is apparently a disciple (cf. Mk 14.47; Jn 18.10).

  26.53 Twelve legions. A Roman legion was 6,000 infantry plus 120 cavalry. The saying reflects the myth of the warrior God leading heavenly angelic armies (see, e.g., 2 Kings 6.15–17; Ps 24.8–10; Rev 19.14).

  26.55 Bandit, or rebel leader (see notes on 2.2; 10.4; 24.24; 27.35; 27.38).

  26.56 The thirteenth quotation formula (see note on 1.22–23) does not introduce a specific text. All the disciples…fled. See v. 31.

  26.57–68 Cf. Mk 14.53–65; Lk 22.54–55, 63–71; Jn 18.13–24.

  26.57 Caiaphas. See note on 26.3; cf. Jn 18.12–14, 24. Scribes. See note on 2.4. Elders. See v. 3; note on 16.21.

  26.59 The whole council, lit. “the Sanhedrin,” a supreme Israelite court to handle internal affairs, controlled by priests. The session described here raises many questions, because trials during Passover, night trials, and single sessions for capital offenses were forbidden by Israelite law codified about 200 CE. Moreover, capital punishment may have been illegal for Jews to perform in Jesus’ day (see also 27.2; note on Jn 18.31).

  26.60 Two witnesses were required by Israelite law (see note on 18.16).

  26.61 See 24.2; 27.40. In three days, hinting at Jesus’ resurrection (see also 12.40; 16.21). See note on 1.2–6a.

  26.63 Silent. See Isa 53.7; 1 Pet 2.22–23. Messiah. See note on 1.1. Son of God. See note on 3.17.

  26.64 You have said so replaces Mark’s “I am” (14.62). See note on 26.25; 27.11. The vision of the Son of Man derives from Dan 7.13–14 (see Mt 24.30; note on 8.20). Seated at the right hand of Power (i.e., of God). For believers, this was the place of the resurrected, exalted Messiah (see Ps 110.1; see also Acts 2.32–36; 7.56; Rom 8.34; Eph 1.20; Col 3.1; Heb 1.3, 13; 8.1; 10.12). Coming, i.e., for the final judgment (see 24.29–31).

  26.65 Tore his clothes, a gesture of distress (see 2 Kings 18.37–19.3; Acts 14.14). Blasphemy, normally dishonoring God’s name (see note on 12.31–32), here used loosely to describe Jesus’ messianic affirmation.

  26.66 Death, the punishment for blasphemy (see Lev 24.10–23).

  26.67 See Isa 50.6.

  26.69–75 Cf. Mk 14.66–72; Lk 22.55–62; Jn 18.25–27.

  26.69 Peter, the representative disciple (see note on 14.28).

  26.71 Jesus of Nazareth. See 2.23; 21.11.

  26.72 The oath suggests Peter’s dishonesty (on oaths, see 5.33–37; 23.16–22; cf. 26.63).

  26.75 What Jesus had said. See note on 26.34.

  MATTHEW 27

  1When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. 2They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

  The Suicide of Judas

  3When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesusa was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. 4He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocentb blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. 6But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.” 7After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. 8For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah,c “And they tookd the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set,e on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, 10and they gavef them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”

  Pilate Questions Jesus

  11Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” 12But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. 13Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” 14But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

  Barabbas or Jesus?

  15Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. 16At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesusg Barabbas. 17So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesush Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”i 18For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. 19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” 20Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. 21The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”j All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” 23Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

  Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified

  24So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood;k see to it yourselves.” 25Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.

  The Soldiers Mock Jesus

  27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters,l and they gathered the whole cohort around him. 28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

  The Crucifixion of Jesus

  32As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. 33And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots;m 36then they sat down there and kept watch over him. 37Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

  38Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by deridedn him, shaking their heads 40and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, 42“He saved others; he cannot save himself.o He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 44The bandits who were cruc
ified with him also taunted him in the same way.

  The Death of Jesus

  45From noon on, darkness came over the whole landp until three in the afternoon. 46And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. 49But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”q 50Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last.r 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”s

  55Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

  The Burial of Jesus

  57When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. 58He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.