Mark 14:53 - Printer Friendly

What does Mark 14:53 mean?

ESV: And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.

NIV: They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together.

NASB: They led Jesus away to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes *gathered together.

CSB: They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes assembled.

NLT: They took Jesus to the high priest’s home where the leading priests, the elders, and the teachers of religious law had gathered.

KJV: And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

NKJV: And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes.

Verse Commentary:

After His arrest, the guards first take Jesus to Annas (John 18:13). Annas has five sons and one son-in-law who either have been, are, or will be high priest. Apparently, Peter first denies Jesus while Annas is interrogating Him (John 18:12–18). Annas is identified as the high priest in John 18:19, although he does not hold that position at this time. His interrogation of Jesus is recorded in John 18:19–24. Annas doesn't put Jesus on formal trial; he asks Jesus about His disciples and teaching, most likely attempting to get ahead of any political unrest. Jesus insists that all His teachings were public. If He is on trial, evidence should come from witnesses. Unable to get the information he wants, Annas sends Jesus to his son-in-law, Caiaphas, who is the current the high priest.

When Jesus is taken to Caiaphas, representatives of the Sanhedrin gather for the more formal trial. The Sanhedrin is a group of Jewish leaders who act as judge and jury when Jews are accused of breaking the Mosaic law. The council has its beginnings even before the Israelites reached the Promised Land. When Moses couldn't settle all the disputes the Israelites brought to him, his father-in-law, Jethro, suggested he find wise men to address what they could and send on only the major issues to Moses (Exodus 18:13–18). The structure of the Sanhedrin as it stands at this time was probably established around 70 BC by the then-king of Judea.

The council is comprised of several groups of different theological beliefs and social standings. The majority are Sadducees. The Sadducees are legally conservative, in that they adhere to the Mosaic law, not the oral traditions that the Pharisees love. But they are socially more liberal than the Pharisees and see no reason why Jews shouldn't enjoy those parts of Greek and Roman culture that do not directly violate the Law.

The office of "chief priest" as used here is different from what was established in the Mosaic law. Priests were those eligible men from the tribe of Levi who were direct descendants of Moses' brother Aaron (Exodus 28:1–3; Numbers 18:7). In the Old Testament, the term "chief priest" is a synonym for the high priest: a single person holding the highest position and who entered the Holy of Holies (Leviticus 16). At the time of Jesus' arrest and trials, "chief priests" seems to have become a class among the priests. It's unclear which of the priests fit this category.

The elders are not defined by their religious position, although it's likely many were Sadducees. They are the prominent businessmen of Jerusalem, and probably had a hand in setting up the vendors' tables that Jesus tore down in Mark 11:15–19. As Jews, they're not thrilled with Roman rule, but as businessmen, they profit greatly from it. Pax Romana meant the roads are clear and relatively safe, and there are no major wars to disrupt trade. If Jesus causes a riot in Jerusalem and the Roman army responds with force, the elders could lose everything.

Scribes are lawyers; doctrinally they could be Pharisees, Sadducees, or nonsectarian. The scribes of the Pharisees interpret the Mosaic law through the lens of the oral law (Mark 2:18, 24; 3:1–2; 7:1–23). The Sadducees also have scribes who reject much of the oral law and honor only what God gave directly to Moses. The Pharisees have no problem finding ways in which Jesus violates oral traditions—something He freely admits since they do not have the authority of Scripture (Mark 7:9–13). The scribes of the Sadducees need to establish that Jesus directly broke Mosaic law. This is more than difficult; it's impossible, since He didn't.

All the men involved will then have an even more difficult task: linking Jesus to a capital offense according to the Roman law.

Mark 14:53–65 happens immediately after Jesus' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus will face four separated trials, in multiple segments. The first is with the Sanhedrin, the council that judges if Jews have broken the Mosaic law. The second trial is with Pilate, the Roman governor (Mark 15:1–5). Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas, who rules over Jesus' home district of Galilee and happens to be in town (Luke 23:6–16). Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate who, at the Sanhedrin's insistence, sentences Jesus to death (Mark 15:6–15). Jesus' interview with the Sanhedrin is also found in Matthew 26:57–68, Luke 22:63–71, and John 18:12–14, 19–24.

Chapter Summary:

Jesus is anointed in a symbolic anticipation of His death. Judas decides to secretly cooperate with local religious leaders to arrest Jesus in secret. During the Passover meal, Jesus predicts His betrayal by Judas, and Peter's denial. He also institutes the Lord's Supper, also known as communion. After praying on the Mount of Olives, Jesus is captured when Judas identifies Him to a hostile mob sent by Jewish authorities. He endures a corrupt, prejudiced trial, ending in a conviction for blasphemy. Peter, fearing for his life, lies about knowing Jesus, before remembering Jesus' prediction and breaking down in sobs.

Chapter Context:

Jesus has finished His public teaching ministry and now prepares for the crucifixion. His sacrificial loyalty will provide the means by which the disciples' abandonment will be forgiven. Next, the Romans, as representatives of Gentiles throughout history, will join the Jews and kill Jesus. Jesus will be buried, but He will rise again with the promise that His sacrifice will redeem the world. Matthew 26 and Luke 22 follow Mark 14 more closely while John 13:1—18:27 records more of Jesus' teaching in the upper room.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.

Accessed 4/28/2024 9:18:31 PM