Luke 22:4

“And he went his way, etc.] From Christ, and the rest of the apostles, out of Bethany; and when it was night, about two miles from Jerusalem, whither he went directly: and communed with the chief priests and captains; that is, of the temple, as in (<422252>Luke 22:52) and so the Persic version reads, “the militia of the temple”; and the Syriac version renders it, “the captains of the militia of the temple”; instead of captains, the Ethiopic version, reads “Scribes”, and so does the Arabic, and which, adds, “and the soldiers”; but these captains were not Roman officers, or soldiers, but ecclesiastical persons, who presided in the temple, and were heads and governors, over bodies of men…”

“Chief priests and captains - See the notes at Matthew 26:14. See the account of the bargain which Judas made with them explained in the Matthew 26:14-16 notes, and Mark 14:10-11 notes. Absence of the multitude - The multitude, “the people,” were then favorable to Jesus. He had preached in the temple, and many of them believed that he was the Messiah. It was a hazardous thing, therefore, to take him by force, and in their presence, as they might rise and rescue him. Hence, they sought to take him when “he” was away from the multitude; and as Judas knew of a place where he could be found “alone,” they were glad of the opportunity of so easily securing him. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Captains - Called captains of the temple, Luk 22:52. They were Jewish officers, who presided over the guards which kept watch every night in the temple. Luke 22:7”

“22:4 captains of the Temple guard: The Temple had its own police force.”

“went: Mat 26:14; Mar 14:10, Mar 14:11 Luke 22:5”