Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 26:47

"And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priest and elders of the people." — Matthew 26:47 (ASV)

A great multitude with swords and staves — St. John’s account is more detailed (John 18:3). The multitude included:

1. The cohort (the same word as in Acts 10:1) of Roman soldiers sent by Pilate to prevent a riot. This was “the band,” not “a band” as in the Authorized Version. These soldiers were probably armed with swords.
2. The officers of the chief priests, likely the Levites or Nethinim who guarded the Temple, armed with “staves” or “clubs.”

John also adds what was to be expected: that they were provided with lanterns and torches as well as weapons. It was now near the hour of dawn, so they must have left the city when, at best, only moonlight guided them. They made their way to Gethsemane, as Judas knew it was one of our Lord’s chosen resorts (John 18:2). We may well believe that Jesus had spent some hours there on each of the four preceding nights.