20:20 {3} And they {a} watched [him], and sent forth {b} spies, which should feign themselves just men, {c} that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and {d} authority of the governor.
(3) The last refuge the false prophets have to destroy the true prophets is to charge them with rebellion and treason against the state.
(a) An appropriate time to take him in.
(b) Whom they had hired deceitfully.
(c) That they might latch on to something he said, and by this forge some false accusation against him.
(d) Put him to death.
20:20-26 That they might take hold of his words. For notes on the question of the tribute money, see Mt 22:15-22. Compare Mr 12:13-17.
20:20 Just men - Men of a tender conscience. To take hold of his discourse - If he answered as they hoped he would. Mt 22:16; Mr 12:12.
20:20-26 Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel, cannot hide them. He did not give a direct answer, but reproved them for offering to impose upon him; and they could not fasten upon any thing wherewith to stir up either the governor or the people against him. The wisdom which is from above, will direct all who teach the way of God truly, to avoid the snares laid for them by wicked men; and will teach our duty to God, to our rulers, and to all men, so clearly, that opposers will have no evil to say of us.
