John 11:53

53 So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death.

John 11:53 Meaning and Commentary

John 11:53

Then from that day forth
Caiaphas's reasoning appeared so good, and his advice so agreeable, that it was at once, and generally assented to, except by one or two, as Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea; that ever after this,

they took counsel together;
at certain times, and that very often, and agreed in their counsel,

for to put him to death;
this they resolved upon, before there was any legal process, before any crime was charged upon him, or any proof given, or he was heard what he had to say for himself; so highly approved of was Caiaphas's motion, to put him to death, right or wrong, whether he was innocent or not; that they had nothing to do, but to consult of ways and means of getting him into their hands, and of taking away his life in a manner, as would he most for their own credit among the people, and to his shame and disgrace, and at the most proper and suitable time.

John 11:53 In-Context

51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation,

52 and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

53 So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore no longer went about openly among the Jews, but went from there to the country near the wilderness, to a town called E'phraim; and there he stayed with the disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.