Matthew 26:60

60 And they were not able to get it, though a number of false witnesses came.

Matthew 26:60 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 26:60

But found none
That were fit for their purpose;

yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none;
whose testimonies were sufficient to put him to death, which was what they were resolved upon, or whose witness were not alike and agreed; for according to their law, a man must not die by the mouth of one witness only, but by the mouth of two or three witnesses agreed in a point; and though they might be willing enough to dispense with the law in this case, yet might have some regard to their own character and reputation; and especially as they meant to deliver him to the Roman governor, in order to be condemned by him; they knew they must have a charge, and this supported with a proper evidence, or they could not hope to succeed; for which reason, they could not put up, as they otherwise willingly would, with any sort of witnesses:

at the last came two false witnesses;
who were agreed in a point, and whose testimonies were alike; at least, had a greater appearance of truth and agreement than the rest; though Mark says, "neither so did their witnesses agree together", ( Mark 14:59 ) , as to prove the point, for which it was given.

Matthew 26:60 In-Context

58 But Peter went after him at a distance, to the house of the high priest, and went in and took his seat with the servants, to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin were looking for false witness against Jesus, so that they might put him to death;
60 And they were not able to get it, though a number of false witnesses came.
61 But later there came two who said, This man said, I am able to give the Temple of God to destruction, and to put it up again in three days.
62 And the high priest got up and said to him, Have you no answer? what is it which these say against you?
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