In Greek the subject of the verb had assembled is not indicated, though it is evidently “The chief priests” (Good News Translation) of verse 11. This information comes through clearly enough in Revised Standard Version, since the last persons mentioned in the previous verse happen to be the chief priests.

Taken counsel (Good News Translation “made their plan”) is the same construction used in 12.14.

A sum of money is translated “a large sum of money” by Good News Translation and New International Version, while New Jerusalem Bible has “a considerable sum of money.” With a slightly different but accurate emphasis, New English Bible translates “a substantial bribe,” and New American Bible “a large bribe.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1988. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .