The approaching betrayal
Matthew 26:1–16FocusAnointing and the plot
Connection to the wholeThe plot, anointing, and Judas' agreement place devotion and betrayal side by side as Jesus' death approaches.
interpretation Matthew 26:65
KJVThen the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Read it in context
Trial and denial
Start reading at Matthew 26:57 (Matthew 26:57 to Matthew 26:75).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus' testimony before the council contrasts with Peter's denials outside, exposing the difference between His faithfulness and human failure.
- 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
- 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
- 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
- 26:60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
- 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
- 26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
- 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
- 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
- 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
- 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
- 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
- 26:68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
- 26:69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
- 26:70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
- 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
- 26:72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
- 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
- 26:74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
- 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 26:1–26:75): Jesus and His disciples share the final supper and go to Gethsemane; Judas, the arresting party, the high priest, council members, and Peter appear in the arrest and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Trial and denial. Read Matthew 26:57 through Matthew 26:75 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus' testimony before the council contrasts with Peter's denials outside, exposing the difference between His faithfulness and human failure. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Trial and denial (Matthew 26:57 to Matthew 26:75). Start reading at Matthew 26:57. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 26:57, Matthew 26:75, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- the high priest Lev 21:20 2 Kgs 18:37 2 Kgs 19:1-3 Jer 36:24 Mark 14:63-64
- He Matt 9:3 1 Kgs 21:10-13 Luke 5:21 John 10:33,36
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 26
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The supper and the warning
Matthew 26:17–35FocusCovenant and coming failure
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets His approaching death at the supper and warns the disciples about their coming desertion.
interpretation Gethsemane and arrest
Matthew 26:36–56FocusSubmission and abandonment
Connection to the wholePrayer in the garden leads to arrest, showing Jesus' obedience amid His disciples' weakness and flight.
interpretation FocusConfession and fear
Connection to the wholeJesus' testimony before the council contrasts with Peter's denials outside, exposing the difference between His faithfulness and human failure.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.