The friends of the family who had come to lament with them, were disposed toward Jesus and believed; but the mere spectators hastened with the news, to inflame the hatred of the Pharisees. The Romans dreaded the power acquired by permanent office, and often exchanged one high priest for another. Hence the expression, being high priest that year. By his vote Caiaphas may be said to have appointed and sacrificed his victim, who in that memorable year was to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. See Daniel 9:24; Daniel 9:27.
Caiaphas professed to fear that Jesus would presently gain such an ascendency over the people as to lead a revolt against Rome, which would cause a deluge of blood in which the whole nation would perish. Therefore he recommended that they should compass the death of Jesus. But, as the evangelist puts it, he spoke more widely and truly than he knew, because the death of Jesus is gathering into one the children of God who are scattered abroad-that is, the heathen who were living up to their light, as in John 10:16 -that of the twain He might make one new man. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 11
1Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried 45Many Jews believe 47The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus 49Caiaphas prophesies 54Jesus hides himself 55At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him
Greek Commentary for John 11:46
Went away to the Pharisees [απηλτον προς τους Παρισαιους] Second aorist active indicative of απερχομαι aperchomai This “some” (τινες tines) did who were deeply impressed and yet who did not have the courage to break away from the rabbis without consulting them. It was a crisis for the Sanhedrin. [source]
Some of them [] Not of the Jews who had come to Mary, but some of the Jews, some perhaps who had joined the crowd from curiosity. [source]
Greek Commentary for John 11:46
Second aorist active indicative of απερχομαι aperchomai This “some” (τινες tines) did who were deeply impressed and yet who did not have the courage to break away from the rabbis without consulting them. It was a crisis for the Sanhedrin. [source]
Not of the Jews who had come to Mary, but some of the Jews, some perhaps who had joined the crowd from curiosity. [source]