Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

John does not describe the early morning session of the council, with Caiaphas as presiding officer (see Mk 14:53-65 and comments). There Jesus was condemned to death; but because the high priest had no authority to execute a death sentence, it was necessary to transfer the case to the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, who was in Jerusalem during Passover Week in order to keep close control of the city. Jesus was moved to Pilate’s residence about seven or eight o’clock. The Jewish delegation did not enter into the courtroom because entering a Gentile home or business room entailed seven days’ defilement. Inasmuch as the Passover was imminent, they did not wish to be excluded from the feast for ceremonial uncleanness.