A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 21:46

"And when they sought to lay hold on him, they feared the multitudes, because they took him for a prophet." — Matthew 21:46 (ASV)

Took him (ειχον). Descriptive imperfect of εχω, to hold. This fear of the people was all that stayed the hands of the rabbis on this occasion. Murderous rage was in their hearts towards Jesus. People do not always grasp the application of sermons to themselves.