Mark 15:1

εὐθὺς, πρωῒ, without delay, quam primum, in the morning watch, which might mean any time between three and six, but probably signifies after sunrise. συμβούλιον will mean either a consultation or the result, the resolution come to, according as we adopt the reading: ποιήσαντες (T.R. = [145] [146]) or ἑτοιμάσαντες ([147] [148] [149]). καὶ ὅλον τὸ συνέδριον : the καὶ simply identifies = even the whole Sanhedrim, and does not imply that, besides the three classes previously mentioned, some others were present (e.g., στρατηγοὺς τοῦ ἱεροῦ : Luke 22:52). This added clause signifies that it was a very important meeting, as, in view of its aim, to prepare the case for Pilate, it obviously was. The Sanhedrists had accomplished nothing till they had got the matter put in such a form that they might hope to prevail with the procurator, with whom lay the jus gladii, to do their wicked will, and of course that Jesus claimed to be the Christ would not serve that purpose. Vide notes on Mt. Πιλάτῳ : without the article in best MSS. on this the first mention; with, in subsequent reference. Mk. does not think it necessary to say who or what Pilate was, not even mentioning, as Mt., that he was the governor.

[145] Codex Vaticanus (sæc. iv.), published in photographic facsimile in 1889 under the care of the Abbate Cozza-Luzi.

[146] Codex Sangallensis, a Graeco-Latin MS. of the tenth century, and having many ancient readings, especially in Mark.

[147] Codex Sinaiticus (sæc. iv.), now at St. Petersburg, published in facsimile type by its discoverer, Tischendorf, in 1862.

[148] Codex Ephraemi

[149] Codex Regius--eighth century, represents an ancient text, and is often in agreement with א and B.