23:1 Then 7 the whole group of them rose up and brought Jesus 8 before Pilate. 9
1 tn Grk “And,” but “now” better represents the somewhat parenthetical nature of this statement in the flow of the narrative.
2 tn Grk “all the multitude.” While “assembly” is sometimes used here to translate πλῆθος (plhqo"), that term usually implies in English a specific or particular group of people. However, this was simply a large group gathered outside, which was not unusual, especially for the afternoon offering.
3 tn The “hour of the incense offering” is another way to refer to the time of sacrifice.
4 tn There is debate in the textual tradition about the position of γάρ (gar) and whether v. 35 looks back to v. 34 or is independent. The textual evidence does slightly favor placing γάρ after the verb and thus linking it back to v. 34. The other reading looks like Isa 24:17. However, the construction is harsh and the translation prefers for stylistic reasons to start a new English sentence here.
5 tn Or “come upon.”
6 sn This judgment involves everyone: all who live on the face of the whole earth. No one will escape this evaluation.
7 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
8 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
9 sn Pilate was the Roman prefect (procurator) in charge of collecting taxes and keeping the peace. His immediate superior was the Roman governor (proconsul) of Syria, although the exact nature of this administrative relationship is unknown. Pilate’s relations with the Jews had been rocky (v. 12). Here he is especially sensitive to them.