Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 26:57

"And they that had taken Jesus led him away to [the house of] Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together." — Matthew 26:57 (ASV)

To Caiaphas. John says that they led him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. This was done, probably, as a mark of respect, as he had been high priest, and perhaps distinguished for prudence, and capable of advising his son-in-law in a difficult case; and the Saviour was detained there, probably until the chief priests and elders were assembled.

The High Priest. (See Barnes on Matthew 26:3).

John says he was high priest for that year. Annas had been high priest some years before. In the time of our Saviour, the office was frequently changed by the civil ruler. This Caiaphas had prophesied that it was expedient that one should die for the people. (See Barnes on John 11:49-50).

The Scribes and the elders. The men composing the great council of the nation, or Sanhedrin. (See Barnes on Matthew 5:22).

It is not probable that they could be assembled immediately; and some part of the transaction concerning Peter’s denial probably took place while they were gathering.