Mark 14:55

55 Meanwhile the High Priests and the entire Sanhedrin were endeavouring to get evidence against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but could find none;

Mark 14:55 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 14:55

And the chief priests, and all the council
Especially the former, who were of all most busy and active in this matter:

sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death;
on which they were determined, right or wrong; in this they went contrary to one of their own canons, which runs thus ^F11:

``in pecuniary causes, they begin either for absolution, or condemnation; but in capital causes, they begin for absolution, and do not begin for condemnation.''

That is, they begun with such evidences as tended to acquit a man, and not with such as served to condemn him; whereas this court was only seeking for such evidence to begin with, that they might condemn Jesus to death:

and found none;
that would answer their purpose; (See Gill on Matthew 26:59).

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FOOTNOTES:

F11 Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 4. sect. 1.

Mark 14:55 In-Context

53 So they led Jesus away to the High Priest, and with him there assembled all the High Priests, Elders, and Scribes.

54 Peter followed Jesus at a distance, as far as the outer court of the High Priest's palace. But there he remained sitting among the officers, and warming himself by the fire.

55 Meanwhile the High Priests and the entire Sanhedrin were endeavouring to get evidence against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but could find none;

56 for though many gave false testimony against Him, their statements did not tally.

57 Then some came forward as witnesses and falsely declared,