Matthew 26:60

60 and they found not, when many false witnesses were come. But at the last, two 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 followed him afar, [till] into the hall of the prince of priests; and he went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

59 And the prince of priests, and all the council sought false witnessing against Jesus, that they should take him to death; [Forsooth the princes of priests, and all the council sought false witnessing against Jesus, that they should betake him to death;]

60 and they found not, when many false witnesses were come. But at the last, two false witnesses came,

61 and said, This said, I may destroy the temple of God, and after the third day build it again [and after three days built it again].

62 And the prince of priests rose, and said to him, Answerest thou nothing to those things, that these witness against thee [which these witness against thee]?