Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 14:56

"For many bare false witness against him, and their witness agreed not together." — Mark 14:56 (ASV)

Just how rigged the trial of Jesus was is made clear by these verses. Though it was late at night, many false witnesses were available. But a problem developed—the witnesses could not agree with one another! According to the OT law (Numbers 35:30; Numbers 19:15), it was necessary in cases that required the death penalty to have two witnesses. These witnesses must, however, give consistent evidence. The smallest inconsistency was sufficient to discredit them. As is always true when witnesses testify falsely, there was no consistency in their testimony; this fact frustrated the court’s wicked intent.