Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Well-to-do homes were often built in a square shape with an open, central courtyard. If Annas (cf. comment on v.3) lived in rooms on one wing of the court, then it is possible that he interviewed Jesus in one wing while the Sanhedrin was assembling in another. Not much time would be required.

Peter followed Jesus “at a distance,” midway between courage (v.51) and cowardice (v.70). He joined the servants and temple police around the courtyard fire.