20:20 Then 1 they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. 2 They wanted to take advantage of what he might say 3 so that they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction 4 of the governor.
1 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
2 tn Grk “righteous,” but in this context the point is their false sincerity.
3 tn Grk “so that they might catch him in some word.”
4 tn This word is often translated “authority” in other contexts, but here, in combination with ἀρχή (arch), it refers to the domain or sphere of the governor’s rule (L&N 37.36).
5 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
6 tn Or “some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 5:21.
7 sn Teacher, you have spoken well! The scribes, being Pharisees, were happy for the defense of resurrection and angels, which they (unlike the Sadducees) believed in.
8 sn The attempt to show Jesus as ignorant had left the experts silenced. At this point they did not dare any longer to ask him anything.