Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 26:47

47 And while he yet spake, lo Judas one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude, with swords and staves, from the chief priests, and elders of the people.

Mark saith the same, Ch. 14.43. adding also the Scribes. Luke saith there was a Multitude, and Iudas went before them ▪ adding, that he drew near to Iesus to kiss him, Luke 22.47, If any ask, How Iudas knew where Iesus was at that time of the Night, or rather so early in the Morning. Iohn satisfieth us, Ch. 18.2. And Judas also which betray'd him, knew the place, for Iesus oft times resorted thither with his Disciples. And then goeth on Judas then having received a Band of Men, and Officers, from the Chief Priests and Pharisees cometh thither, with Lantherns, and Torches, and Weapons. Those skilled in the Jewish Learning tell us, that the ordinary Guard of the Temple belonged to the Priests, and such Officers as they imployed; but upo[illegible: 1 letter] their great Festivals, the Roman Governour added a Band of his Souldiers, who yet were under the command of the Priests. It is thought these Officers, Souldiers and others came with a Warrant to apprehend our Saviour from the Iewish Sanhedrim or highest Court, which was made up of Chief Priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, and the Elders of the People, they had Torches and Lentherns, because it was yet dark, before the Day was broke. Swords and Staves to be ready against any Opposition. Iudas the Traytor comes before as their Leader.