The Chief Priests though they sought to take Him, feared the multitude, and therefore they endeavored to effect what they could not do of themselves, by means of earthly powers, that they might themselves appear to be guiltless of His death.
And therefore it is said, “And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.”
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).