Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 12:14

"But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him." — Matthew 12:14 (ASV)

Held a council against him — If, as seems probable, these Pharisees included those who had come from Jerusalem, the deliberation was more significant for our Lord’s future work than if it had been a mere meeting of the local members of the party.

It is significant that St. Mark adds (Mark 3:6) that they also brought the Herodians into their council. The Herodians had not yet been mentioned in the Gospel history, but they were likely irritated by the pointed reference to them and their lifestyle in the contrast our Lord drew between them and the Baptist (Compare the note on Matthew 11:8).