Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 26:3-5

"Then were gathered together the chief priests, and the elders of the people, unto the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas; and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult arise among people." — Matthew 26:3-5 (ASV)

While Jesus was prophesying, His enemies were plotting. This fulfilled Psalm 2:2: “The rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed.”

Their aim was to kill Him, and they consulted on how they might take Jesus by subtlety. They decided not to arrest Him “during the feast” (Revised Version), yet the evil deed was to be postponed, not from any religious regard for the Passover, but “lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Their plan was contrary to Christ’s prophecy, but the event proved that He was right and they were wrong, for He was crucified at the time He foretold.