306
When did his trial before the Sanhedrim take place?
Matthew and Mark: During the night. After his arrest, which probably occurred not later than midnight, they at once “led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where ... the chief priests, and elders, and all the council [Sanhedrim]” had assembled, when his trial immediately began ([Matt. xxvi, 57–68]; [Mark xiv, 58–65]).
Luke: Not until the next morning. During the night he was held in custody at the house of the high priest. “As soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into the council” ([xxii, 66]).
This, according to Luke, was his first and only appearance before the Sanhedrim. Matthew and Mark, in addition to the night trial mentioned by them, also mention an adjourned session in the morning corresponding to the meeting of Luke.
307
Could this trial have been held in the night as stated by Matthew and Mark?
It could not. The Jewish law prohibited the opening of a trial at night. The Sanhedrim could not hold a session before 6 a. m. or after 3 p. m. Luke was seemingly acquainted with this law; Matthew and Mark were not.
308
During what religious festivities was his trial held?
Synoptics: During the feast of the Passover.
It could not have been held during the Passover, for no trials were held by the Jews during this feast.