Charles Ellicott Commentary John 18:28

"They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover." — John 18:28 (ASV)

On the accusation before Pilate (John 18:28–38), compare Notes on the parallels in Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:2–5, and Luke 23:2-5.

The hall of judgment. This literally refers to the Praetorium. (Compare the Note on Matthew 27:27.) It is interesting to observe the various renderings which our translators have given for this one word. In this context (John 18:28), it is translated as “hall of judgment” (with a marginal note of “Pilate’s house”) and also as “judgment-hall.” In John 18:33, it is “hall of judgment” without the marginal alternative. In John 19:9, it is “judgment-hall.” In Matthew 27:27, it is “common-hall” or “governor’s house.” In Mark 15:16, it is “praetorium” (the original word Anglicized). In Acts 23:35, it is “judgment-hall.” In Philippians 1:13, it is “palace,” which is perhaps the only passage where “palace” does not convey the correct meaning. (Compare the Note there.)

And it was early. The Greek word used here occurs in the division of the night described in Mark 13:35 (“even,” “midnight,” “cock-crowing,” “morning”) and refers to the time between cock-crowing and sunrise—roughly, as we would say, from three to six o’clock. But compare Matthew 27:1 and Luke 22:66. We must remember that Pilate had sent the cohort (John 18:3) and was therefore expecting its return.

And they themselves did not go into the judgment hall. They sent Jesus in under the guard of the Roman cohort, while they remained outside.

But that they might eat the passover. Compare Excursus F: The Day of the Crucifixion of our Lord.