Chief priests and elders assemble ( synago ) repeatedly in the Passion and resurrection narratives of Matthew, always with nefarious intent. They gather to plot Jesus’ death (26:3-4), for Jesus’ trial (26:57), before Pilate to convince the governor to kill Jesus (27:17) and to request a guard for Jesus’ tomb (27:62).
After the resurrection, they gather ( synago ) one last time. Out of their first gathering came the payment of blood money to Judas; out of their final gathering comes the decision to pay the guard to spread the lie that Jesus’ disciples had taken the body.
The gatherings of the priests and elders are founded on a lie, a lie reinforced with bribes. They have become synagogues of Satan.
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