But iniquity came forth in Babylon from the princes, who ought to have purified the temple and the vessels, and themselves according to the law, in order to eat the lamb.
Wherefore there follows: “And the Chief Priests and the Scribes sought how they might take Him by craft, and put him to death.”
Now when the head is slain, the whole body is rendered powerless, wherefore these wretched men slay the Head. But they avoid the feast day, which indeed befits them, for what feasting can there be for them, who have lost life and mercy?
Wherefore it goes on: “But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.”
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).