known. Greek. gnostos. Compare ginosko.App-132. That this was John himself is highly improbable. He always designates himself "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (Joh_13:23; Joh_19:26; Joh_21:7, Joh_21:20). It is more probable it was some one of influence, as Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathtea, both members of the Sanhedrin.
palace = Greek. aide. Originally the court, open to the air, around which the house was built, then the house itself.