He means by the High Priest, Caiaphas, who (as John writes) was High Priest that year, of whom Josephus relates that he bought his priesthood of the Roman Emperor. There follows: “And with him were assembled all the Chief Priests and the elders and the scribes.”.
But rightly does he follow afar off, who is just about to betray Him; for he could not have denied Christ if he had remained close to Him. There follows: “And he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.”.
For charity is the fire of which itis said, “I am come to send fire on the earth,” Peter, who for a time was benumbed by this cold, wished as it wereto be warmed by the coals of the servants of Caiaphas, because He sought in the society of traitors the consolation of worldly comfort. It goes on: “And the Chief Priests and allthe council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death.”.
He had said also, “I will raise up, "meaning a thing with life and soul, and a breathing temple. He is a false witness, who understands words in a sense, in which they are not spoken.
