Matthew 26:57-68

Matthew 26:57-68

[57] And  they that had laid hold  on Jesus  led him away  to  Caiaphas  the high priest,  where  the scribes  and  the elders  were assembled.  [58] But  Peter  followed  him  afar off  unto  the high priest's  palace,  and  went  in,  and sat  with  the servants,  the end.  [59] Now  the chief priests,  and  all  the council,  sought  false witness  against  Jesus,  to  him  to death;  [60] But  found  none:  yea,  though many  false witnesses  came,  yet found they  none.  At the last  came  two  false witnesses,  [61] And said,  This  fellow said,  I am able  to destroy  the temple  of God,  and  to build  in  three  days.  [62] And  the high priest  arose,  and said  unto him,  Answerest thou  nothing?  what  is it which these  witness against  [63] But  Jesus  held his peace.  And  the high priest  and said  unto him,  I adjure  by  the living  God,  that  thou tell  whether  thou  the Christ,  the Son  of God.  [64] Jesus  saith  unto him,  Thou  hast said:  nevertheless  I say  Hereafter  the Son  of man  sitting  on  the right hand  of power,  and  coming  in  the clouds  of heaven.  [65] Then  the high priest  rent  his  clothes,  saying,  He hath spoken blasphemy;  what  further  need  have we  of witnesses?  now  ye have heard  his  blasphemy.  [66] What  think  They answered  and  said,  guilty  of death.  [67] Then  did they spit  in  his  face,  and  buffeted  him;  and  others smote him with the palms of their hands,  [68] Saying,  Prophesy  thou Christ,  Who  that smote 

What does Matthew 26:57-68 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Matthew omitted Jesus" hearing before Annas ( John 18:12-14; John 18:19-23). Quite possibly Annas lived in one wing of the same building in which the Sanhedrin met. [1]
"This is the point at which Jesus" death is sealed; all that follows involving the Roman prefect is only the formal implementation of a verdict already decided by the Jewish authorities." [2]