Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 22:4-6

"And he went away, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might deliver him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he consented, and sought opportunity to deliver him unto them in the absence of the multitude." — Luke 22:4-6 (ASV)

Chief priests and captains. See Matthew 26:14.

Absence of the multitude. The multitude, the people, were then favorable to Jesus. He had preached in the temple, and many of them believed that he was the Messiah. It was a hazardous thing, therefore, to take him by force, and in their presence, as they might rise and rescue him. For this reason, they sought to take him when he was away from the multitude; and as Judas knew of a place where he could be found alone, they were glad of the opportunity to secure him so easily.