Charles Ellicott 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 the high priest — John alone records the preliminary examination before Annas, probably because of the special access he had as an acquaintance of the high priest (John 18:13, 19–24). It was obviously intended to draw something from our Lord's lips that could serve as the basis for an accusation. We must remember that Caiaphas had already committed himself to a policy of condemnation (John 11:49–50). The whole history that follows leaves the impression that the priests' plans were hastened by the treachery of Judas.

Where the scribes and the elders were assembled — It was against the rules of Jewish law to hold a session of the Sanhedrin, or Council, for a capital trial at night. Such an assembly on the night of the Passover supper would have been even more contrary to custom, and indeed, the fact that it was held has been used as proof that the Last Supper was not the true Passover meal. This gathering was therefore an informal one—likely a packed meeting of those who were parties to the plot, since key figures like Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, and probably many others (like the young “ruler” of Luke 18:18) were not summoned. When they had gone through their mock trial, and as day was dawning (Luke 22:68), they transformed themselves into a formal court and proceeded to pass judgment.