Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
Verse Takeaways
1
A Plot Born of Fear
Commentators unanimously explain that the religious leaders plotted to arrest Jesus "by subtlety" because they were afraid of the people. Jesus was so popular with the crowds, who viewed him as a prophet or even the Messiah, that the leaders feared a public arrest would cause a riot and a rescue attempt. Their deception was a tactic to avoid a public backlash.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Matthew
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 26:4
18th Century
Theologian
By subtlety. That is, by guile, deceit, or in some secret manner, so that the people would not know it.
Jesus was regarded by the p…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 26:4
They took counsel together (συνεβουλευσαντο). Aorist middle indicative, indicating their puzzled state of mind. They have had no t…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 26:3–5
19th Century
Preacher
While Jesus was prophesying, His enemies were plotting. This fulfilled Psalm 2:2: “The rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and again…
Go Ad-Free
Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 26:4
Opposition to Jesus had been rising for some time (cf. 12:14; 21:45–46). God, however, is in control of these events. The leaders may plot; but if …
John Gill
On Matthew 26:4
17th Century
Pastor
And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety
The Jews had often attempted his life, but he escaped out of th…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 26:1–5
17th Century
Minister
Our Lord had often told of his sufferings as at a distance; now he speaks of them as at hand. At the same time the Jewish council consulted how the…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 26:1–16
13th Century
Philosopher
The Evangelist, having related the preparatory events for the Passion, here begins to discuss Christ’s Passion, which is divided into two parts. Fi…