Bible Commentaries
John 18

Verse 1

Joh 18:1

John 18:1

When Jesus had spoken these words,—The preceding speech, embracing chapters 14 to 16, with prayer and con­clusion in chapter 17, occurred after the eating of the passover supper before the crossing over of the brook Kidron in going out toward Bethany, the place where Jesus spent the nights during his last week before his crucifixion.

he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron,—This brook is a rivulet, dry in the later centuries except during the rainy season. It is noted on account of its relations to the city of Jerusalem, the capital city of the Jewish people, and the transactions associated with it. It had to be crossed in going to Mount Olivet, Bethany, and Bethphage.

where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples.—The garden was Gethsemane, a garden of olive trees. Matthew 26:36-46 gives the account of his entrance into this garden, his leaving his disciples, save Peter, James, and John, near the entrance; he went with these three further into the garden and went through the agonies and the three prayers that the cup might pass from him, if in accordance with the Father’s will. John passes over this without men­tion, probably because of the fullness with which the record is made by the other biographies of Jesus.

Verses 1-11

Joh 18:1-11

Jesus Arrested - John 18:1-11

Open It

1. *Why might a person betray a cause he or she had actively participated in?

2. When have you ever felt betrayed by a person or a cause that you believed in?

Explore It

3. Where did Jesus and His disciples go when Jesus had finished praying? (John 18:1)

4. *How did Judas know about the place where Jesus and His disciples had gone? (John 18:2)

5. Whom did Judas guide into the grove? (John 18:3)

6. What question did Jesus ask Judas and the others with him? (John 18:4)

7. How did Jesus identify Himself? (John 18:5)

8. *How did people react when Jesus identified Himself? (John 18:6-7)

9. *What did Jesus tell the soldiers and officials to do? (John 18:8)

10. Why did Jesus tell the soldiers to release His disciples? (John 18:9)

11. How did Peter respond to the threat to Jesus? (John 18:10)

12. How did Jesus correct Peter? (John 18:11)

Get It

13. If you had been with Jesus the night He was arrested, how do you think you would have responded?

14. *How have you been betrayed by a friend?

15. How would you respond if someone betrayed your best friend?

16. In what way are you like Peter?

17. *How is Jesus’ response to His betrayal an example for us to follow?

18. How do we betray Jesus with our words and conduct?

Apply It

19. *What do you want to remember about Christ the next time someone lets you down?

20. What aspect of your life-style should you change so that you don’t betray Jesus with either your words or deeds?

Verse 2

Joh 18:2

John 18:2

Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.—This gar­den of Gethsemane was a retired, quiet spot which Jesus and his disciples in passing from the city to Mount Olivet seem often to have entered and enjoyed a season of instruction and prayer. So Judas knew his custom and seems to have selected his visit to this place as the time in which he would betray Jesus into the hands of the priests and scribes away from the multitude as they had stipulated should be done.

Verse 3

Joh 18:3

John 18:3

Judas then, having received the band of soldiers, and of­ficers from the chief priests and the Pharisees,—Judas had gone from the passover supper, the washing of the feet, before the institution of the Lord’s Supper, at the suggestion of Jesus to do “What thou doest, do quickly” (John 13:27), when he disclosed to Judas that he knew of the contracted treason to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who had agreed to furnish him a band of soldiers to arrest Jesus and bring him to them. The number constituting the band has been a mat­ter of much and diverse conjecture. Some think there was an army of Roman soldiers. Others, that it was an irregular mob of loose men gathered and paid by the Jews to make the arrest. They wished to make the arrest, bring him before the Jewish rulers, and get the trial and condemnation well under way before the masses generally should know of it. So as few as could be intrusted to accomplish the work with­out tumult or confusion among the people was desired. So the band was an irregular mob gathered to do this work. [“Band” in Greek is cohort, which was the garrison of the fort, Antonia, distinguished from the officers of justice ap­pointed by the Sanhedrin. It does not follow that the whole cohort (600 men) was present, but a number representative of them. The “officers from the chief priests and the Phar­isees” were a part of the temple guard (Luke 22:52), “Jewish policemen.”]

cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.—It was after night, probably after nine o’clock. It was the fourteenth of the month. The moon was at its full. But the garden was on the west side of the Mount of Olives that cut off the light of the moon, and especially the deep shades of the garden of olive trees would make it so dark that without lights it would be impossible to identify Jesus. So they brought the lanterns and torches and the swords and clubs to enforce their authority. [These elaborate preparations are a clear indication of the estimate of the power and popularity which his enemies held.]

Verse 4

Joh 18:4

John 18:4

Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him,—Jesus had gone through the fearful struggle of the agonies as the hour approached, the angel had appeared strengthening him, and a composure of mind and determina­tion to drink the cup followed. So as the band approached, he went forth to meet them. [Jesus had just aroused the sleeping disciples for the last time. (Mark 14:42). Note the fullness and freeness of his sacrifice.]

went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?—With this determination, too, he knew the sufferings through which he would pass and went forth composedly to meet the coming sufferings. [Probably he stepped in front of the mob to pro­tect the disciples. His face may have been still shining from the spiritual victory which ended the passion and therefore may have been inexpressibly majestic.]

Verse 5

Joh 18:5

John 18:5

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was stand­ing with them.—The other writers tell us that he kissed Jesus as the sign by which he would designate him. John does not mention this. It must have occurred at this time. Jesus made no effort to conceal himself, but stepped forward to let them know that he was the person whom they sought. [This is the only mention of Judas’ presence during the scene made by John.]

Verse 6

Joh 18:6

John 18:6

When therefore he said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.—This going backward and falling to the ground, though singular, is not mentioned by Matthew, Mark, or Luke. Its cause and meaning are difficult to see. Commentators usually attribute it to the exercise of divine power by Jesus, executed to show them his power to protect himself and destroy them, that all might understand that he surrendered his life himself and none could take it from him. While this was true of Jesus, this reads as though the act was voluntary on the part of those doing it. If it had been done through the exercise of the power of Jesus, it must have created a feeling of consternation and terror among the soldiers that would have been manifested and it would have been difficult to have induced them to proceed in arresting him. There was already a degree of apprehension on the part of the leaders in this work. But if it was voluntary, I know nothing to indicate what prompted it or what it signified. [I take it that being overwhelmed by the sudden appearance and boldness in identifying himself, coupled with the majesty of his presence, was such a shock to their cowardly spirits that they could not, for the moment, do otherwise than fall to the earth. Jesus could easily, while they were prostrate, have walked from their midst unharmed, as he had done more than once before (John 8:59; footnote; Luke 4:30; Luke 7:44-46; Luke 10:39), but he had purposed to make a complete self-sacrifice.]

Verse 7

Joh 18:7

John 18:7

Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.—Whatever may have been the cause and meaning of the performance, it seems to have created a hesitation on their part that caused Jesus to repeat this question to them.

Verse 8

Joh 18:8

John 18:8

Jesus answered, I told you that I am he;—He seems to be impatient at delay, and as the time had come, and he had been strengthened by the appearance of the angel to drink the cup, all signs of dread or trepidation had vanished, and, as he had told Judas while at the passover supper, “What thou doest, do quickly,” he now urges them forward in their work.

if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:—The words and manner of Jesus were not those of a person in dread; but while respectful and courteous, he spoke as though conscious of his authority and power. [If they had not made motions looking to the seizure of the disciples, Jesus had probably, by his divine insight, perceived their purpose, and designed by his repeated question to remind them of the limits of their commission, and by this, secure the escape of the disciples.]

Verse 9

Joh 18:9

John 18:9

that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one.—This refers to what is said in chapter 17:12. [We have here an illustration of the freeness of scriptural methods of quotation, a very strik­ing one as being a quotation by the writer from his own work but a paragraph before.]

Verse 10

Joh 18:10

John 18:10

Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear.—The pres­ence of the sword and Peter’s use of it has been singular in the life of Jesus. The whole teaching and practice of Christ is against violence, offensive or defensive. Luke 22:36 says that Jesus told his disciples to sell their garments and buy a sword. Two were bought and he said they were enough. Peter on this occasion used one of them in cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest. This was done in the defense of Jesus, but was an act of rashness. [During the evening Peter had boasted that he would die for his Master, but now remembering his boast and the reply of Jesus he proceeds to show that his words were not mere boasts. Probably he intended to cleave his head from his body.]

Now the servant’s name was Malchus.—[From verse 15 we learn that John (who doubtless speaks of himself) knew the high priest, and would therefore probably know the name of the servant.]

Verse 11

Joh 18:11

John 18:11

Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath:—Jesus reproves him and asks:

the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?—Matthew 26:52 says: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” His condemnation of its use in his defense is strong and clear. Some have thought that Jesus desired the presence of the sword that he might have the occasion to strongly condemn its use among his fol­lowers, or in defense of himself and his teachings. [At this point Luke mentions the complete healing of Malchus’ ear, not recorded by any other writer, the last miracle of Jesus, and wrought upon an enemy. We can imagine, however, a motive additional to compassion in removing every trace that carnal weapons had been used, both for Peter’s sake, and to leave him free to say to Pilate, “If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.” How utterly has professed Christians, in numberless instances, departed from this im­plied principle of Christ, that his cause is not to be sustained, defended or advanced by physical force nor at the mouth of the cannon.]

Verse 12

Joh 18:12

John 18:12

So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus—The captain here was the chiliarch or cap­tain of a thousand men, corresponding to colonel in the army order in this country. It is not probable that all his com­mand were present. How many is a matter of conjecture. Jesus desired to complete his work on earth and submitted to them.

and bound him,—How they bound him, we are not told. An ordinary method among the Romans was to bind the pris­oner with a chain on one arm and to pass the other end of the chain around the body of a soldier. While they were binding him, the disciples “all left him, and fled.” (Mark 14:50). [They all had a hand in it, as though some mighty desperado were being captured, instead of a meek, unresisting sufferer.]

Verses 12-14

Joh 18:12-14

Jesus Taken to Annas - John 18:12-14

Open It

1. About which modern leaders might it be said that they sacrificed their life for their duty?

2. *Who are today’s recognized religious authorities?

Explore It

3.What authorities participated in Jesus’ arrest? (John 18:12)

4. Who arrested Jesus? (John 18:12)

5. What did the soldiers and Jewish officials do to Jesus? (John 18:12)

6. How was Jesus treated by His captors? (John 18:12-13)

7. *To whom was Jesus taken first? (John 18:13)

8. What was Annas’ relationship to Caiaphas? (John 18:13)

9. *What duty was Caiaphas fulfilling that year? (John 18:13)

10. *About what had Caiaphas advised the Jews? (John 18:14)

11. Why did Caiaphas think it good that one man die for the people? (John 18:14)

12. What was ironic about Caiaphas’ remarks about Jesus? (John 18:14)

Get It

13. How do you think Jesus felt when He was arrested?

14. When have you ever felt humiliated for being a Christian?

15. *How would you feel if you were falsely arrested? What would you do?

16. What religious authorities do you respect?

17. *If Jesus were arrested today, to what religious authority might He be taken?

Apply It

18. Following Jesus’ example, how will you respond when you are wrongly mistreated?

19. *How should you pray for the religious authorities in your church or denomination this week?

Verse 13

Joh 18:13

John 18:13

and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.—Annas had been high priest and still acted sometimes in that capacity, although Caiaphas, his son-in-law at the time, was acting high priest. It is said that Annas had five sons, who in succession filled the high priest’s place in addition to his son-in-law. He was of great influence. It is likely that Jesus was first brought before him to inquire into the matter as a court of inquiry to see what charges should be formulated against him. [Annas was about sixty years old. While the synoptics all speak of the leading away of Jesus, only John mentions Annas, and he alone gives an account of the examination before Annas (verses 19-23), which preceded his appearance before Caia­phas. Annas was a smooth, cunning intriguer, and ruled at this time through his son-in-law; and such was his overpower­ing influence as head of the Sadducean party that it was deemed an act of policy to take Jesus first to him before pre­senting him to Caiaphas.]

Verse 14

Joh 18:14

John 18:14

Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.—Caiaphas had first suggested to the Jews the death of Jesus as the end of the contention concerning him. (John 11:48-50). There seems to have been something of prophecy connected with the office of the high priest. Now Jesus is sent to him to be put on trial for his life. The Jewish Sanhedrin had the power to sit in judgment on Jesus and to sentence him to death. This sentence could not be executed without the ap­proval of the Roman governor. Caiaphas sits to judge him.

Verse 15

Joh 18:15

John 18:15

And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple.—“Another disciple” here is generally understood to be John. It seems that Peter and John recovering from their fright at his first arrest, now returned, and followed the band having him in charge to the courtroom of the high priest.

Now that disciple was known unto the high priest, and en­tered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;—John was known to the high priest and went in with Jesus as his friend to be present at his trial. The rashness of Peter in striking off the ear of the servant likely made him the more fearful now.

Verses 15-18

Joh 18:15-18

Peter’s First Denial - John 18:15-18

Open It

1. Who is someone you would say is "well connected with the right people"?

2. *Who is someone you would describe as being loyal?

3. When was a time you got caught lying as a child?

Explore It

4. Who followed Jesus? (John 18:15)

5. How did Peter’s companion get into the high priest’s courtyard? (John 18:15)

6. How did the unnamed disciple manage to follow Jesus into the courtyard? (John 18:15)

7. Why did Peter have to wait outside? (John 18:16)

8. Where did Peter have to wait? (John 18:16)

9. *How did Peter get into the courtyard? (John 18:16)

10. What did the girl at the door of the courtyard ask Peter? (John 18:17)

*How did Peter reply to the question about his association with Jesus? (John 18:17)

11. Why was Peter standing around with the servants and officials? (John 18:18)

12. *With whom did Peter warm himself inside the courtyard? (John 18:18)

Get It

13. What inside connections do you have in the church?

14. How do you use your inside connections in the church and elsewhere?

15. Into what potentially dangerous situations has your faith gotten you?

16. *Under what circumstances might you be tempted to deny knowing Jesus?

17. When and why have you denied knowing Jesus by either your words or your life-style?

18. *With what enemies of Christ do we sometimes associate?

Apply It

19. How can you use your inside connections to benefit others this week?

20. *What can you do to affirm your relationship with Jesus Christ before others?

21. In what areas of your life do you want to express your loyalty to Jesus more openly?

Verse 16

Joh 18:16

John 18:16

but Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.—“The other disciple” obtained permission likely from the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who seemed to guard the door, and brought Peter in. It seems that women were frequently employed in such positions as janitors to a building. Others speak of Peter following afar off. (Matthew 26:58). [The damsel who guarded the door suffered John, who was an acquaintance, to pass in; but probably seeing Peter was a stranger refused to admit him. John went in, evidently expecting Peter to follow, but when he did not he returned and requested the maid to allow him to enter and she did so.]

Verse 17

Joh 18:17

John 18:17

The maid therefore that kept the door saith unto Peter, Art thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.—This woman, damsel, had doubtless seen Peter at some time and now as he came in she asked him if he was not one of the company that followed Jesus. Peter, completely de­moralized and disheartened in the presence of John, said, “I am not.” [He is not so keen now to use his sword since his Master is arrested and now before the court. Many, like Peter now, weaken and fail to declare the truth when it is not popular to do so.]

Verse 18

Joh 18:18

John 18:18

Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals; for it was cold; and they were warming themselves: and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.—It was now about midnight, growing cold, and the servants of the priests and those who waited in the court had built a fire to warm and Peter stood with them warming himself.

Verse 19

Joh 18:19

John 18:19

The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.—It is not customary in our courts to require a man to testify concerning himself or to convict himself of any wrong. This custom did not obtain in the courts generally of that day. So they question him.

Verses 19-24

Joh 18:19-24

The High Priest Questions Jesus - John 18:19-24

Open It

1. *Who is someone who has been harassed for speaking the truth?

2. When do you think it would be necessary to challenge an established authority?

Explore It

3. About what did the high priest question Jesus? (John 18:19)

4. Who questioned Jesus about His teaching? (John 18:19)

5. In what way did Jesus say that He had always spoken? (John 18:20)

6. Where did Jesus say that He had always spoken? (John 18:20)

7. Why did Jesus advise the high priest to ask those who heard Him? (John 18:21)

8. *To whom did Jesus tell the high priest he should ask his questions? (John 18:21)

9. *Why did one of the officials strike Jesus? (John 18:22)

10. *What did Jesus say in response to being hit? (John 18:23)

11. To whom did Annas send Jesus? (John 18:24)

12. How was Jesus sent to Caiaphas? (John 18:24)

Get It

13. What thoughts do you think were running through Jesus’ mind while He was being interrogated?

14. *When have you felt as if you were being interrogated because of your faith?

15. Who are the respected authorities in the church today?

16. When have you found it necessary to challenge a respected authority or belief?

17. What effect do you think Jesus’ reply had on the official who hit him?

18. *What would the people with whom you talk on a regular basis say about your "teachings"?

19. When have you been punished or disciplined for speaking the truth?

Apply It

20. *What is one truth you need to speak today regardless of the consequences?

21. What can you change about your speech in order to be a more open and consistent follower of Jesus?

Verse 20

Joh 18:20

John 18:20

Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing.—[Jesus replies to their question as relating to himself, but ignores that pertaining to the disciples, doubtless for the reason that he, not they, is on trial. He had taught publicly in the syna­gogue and temple. He had entered into no conspiracies as Annas himself had done.] Jesus recognized that the fair and just way was to prove by others if he were guilty of wrong. So he answered that the Jews have had ample and frequent opportunity to know all that he taught, so he said:

Verse 21

Joh 18:21

John 18:21

Why askest thou me? ask them that have heard me, what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said.—[All his life and teaching could be learned by in­quiring of those who had heard him, so let those who seek information ask them. He had no secret clique, but “taught the world.” His reply seems to be a rebuke to those trying him. Jesus claims that the examination may proceed in the regular order by calling witnesses. “Ask them”; “Why askest thou me?” He wanted all the facts brought out.]

Verse 22

Joh 18:22

John 18:22

And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?—The answer was construed as impertinent and one of the officers struck him on the mouth, and reproved him for so answering the high priest. [To hear a prisoner stand upon his rights and boldly defend them was new to the officer so he struck Jesus.]

Verse 23

Joh 18:23

John 18:23

Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?—Jesus plead, if there is evil in what he said, point it out, if no evil why should he be smitten. Moderation, self-control, and courage marked all that Jesus said or did. He was never excited or thrown into a temper. [Paul under similar circumstances (Acts 23:3) answers like a man, but Jesus like the Prince of Peace. Usually those who are in the wrong resort to violence.]

Verse 24

Joh 18:24

John 18:24

Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.—This verse tells what had before been implied.

Verse 25

Joh 18:25

John 18:25

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself.—Peter, chilled by standing without, now crowded himself up to the fire, kindled by the servants of the high priest and the officers of the court.

They said therefore unto him, Art thou also one of his dis­ciples?—Either from his appearance or the fact that he was an acquaintance of John, those standing around the fire asked him the second time if he was not one of them. More than one seems to have joined in asking this question. It is. prob­able that a number had spoken of his being one of the dis­ciples of Jesus and together approached him on the subject. Luke 22:58 says, “After a little while another saw him, and said, Thou also art one of them. But Peter said, Man, I am not.” John says “they,” implying more than one.

He denied, and said, I am not.—[He simply lied, which shows that poor weak human beings do not know in advance what course they will take under extreme test of their faith and loyalty. But the Lord knew, and told Peter in advance just what he would do and the time of doing it.]

Verses 25-27

Joh 18:25-27

Peter’s Second and Third Denials - John 18:25-27

Open It

1. *Why are people sometimes tempted to compromise their beliefs, principles, or standards?

2. When have you told a lie that caused you pain later?

Explore It

3. What was Peter doing? (John 18:25)

4. What question was Peter asked as he tried to keep warm? (John 18:25)

5. *How did Peter respond to the question about his association with Jesus? (John 18:25)

6. *Who challenged Peter’s statement? (John 18:25)

7. What did the people around the fire believe to be true about Peter? (John 18:25-26)

8. To whom was one of the high priest’s servants related? (John 18:26)

9. Where had the high priest’s servant seen Peter? (John 18:26)

10. What did the high priest’s servant ask Peter? (John 18:26)

11. How did Peter respond to the question asked by the high priest’s servant? (John 18:26-27)

12. *What happened the moment Peter denied knowing Christ a third time? (John 18:27)

Get It

13. What thoughts do you think were running through Peter’s mind?

14. *Had you been in Peter’s shoes, what reasons might you have had for denying that you were a disciple of Christ?

15. When have you found yourself in a situation that was hostile to Jesus Christ?

16. What self-protective reasons might tempt us to deny that we are followers of Christ?

17. *When and where is it hardest for you to openly acknowledge your relationship with Christ?

Apply It

18. *Under what circumstances do you need to determine to live openly as a follower of Christ?

19. What pressure should you ask God to help you resist?

20. What self-centered attitude will you ask God to help you change?

Verse 26

Joh 18:26

John 18:26

One of the servants of the high priest, being a kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?—He saw and recognized him [and knew that he had lied. Matthew reports that Peter made his denial with an oath, even cursing and swearing. He grew desperate.]

Verse 27

Joh 18:27

John 18:27

Peter therefore denied again: and straightway the cock crew.—There have been questions raised about the cock-crowing and contradictions charged. There certainly was no ef­fort made by the different writers to show exact agreement. Each told what occurred in his own way and in his own style and from his own standpoint. There are two periods of cock- crowing. The crowing at the latter hour is much more pro­fuse than that at twelve o’clock. Hence that at three o’clock is the cock-crowing when only one is mentioned. When two are mentioned that at twelve o’clock is the first cock-crowing; that at three, the second. Some of the writers speak of only one, that at three o’clock; others of the two. The last denial of Peter occurred just before three o’clock. Peter was a man of courage even to rashness, as his smiting off the ear of the servant of the high priest proved. When he cut off his ear he doubtless expected a resistance on the part of Jesus and his disciples. The healing of the servant, his enemy, and the reproof of Peter for using the sword discouraged and disheartened him, took from him his courage and left him despondent. He knew not what to do. He in common with the other disciples then fled. His courage was renewed suffi­ciently to return with John; but “followed him afar off.” (Matthew 26:58). This is a dangerous position. John entered as a friend of Jesus. Peter in his fear after what had passed sought to pass as a stranger. The temptation came upon him much stronger than if he had at once declared himself the friend of Jesus. The man who declares himself as the friend of Jesus and walks closest to him finds fewer temptations to deny him and greater help to stand with him. Luke says that when the last denial was made, “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” The reproving look was more than he could bear; he broke down and “went out, wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62). [Following this, at dawn of day, Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in Luke 22:66-71; and all attempts to prove him guilty of some crime or violation of the law had failed. In spite of false witnesses Jesus was called upon to answer, and upon his affirmation of divine majesty they condemned him to die as guilty of blasphemy. To carry the sentence into effect the sanction of the Roman governor was necessary. Therefore he is next sent to Pilate.]

Verse 28

Joh 18:28

John 18:28

They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium:—The Jewish council determined that Jesus should be put to death. The Jews were permitted to try and inflict any punishment save that of death on their subjects. When the sentence was death, they were compelled to have the sanction of the Roman governor. This sentence then necessitated the trial of Jesus before the Roman governor. The praetorium was what we would call the courtroom. Courts were fre­quently in session at night in that country to avoid the heat of day. Then, too, the Jews were pressing this to the end that there might be no reaction in the public mind or oppor­tunity of the common people to interfere in behalf of Jesus.

and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.—The Gentile houses, courts, and everything they touched were defiled to the Jews. This was the passover week and these priests and scribes were especially anxious to avoid defilement that they might eat the passover, so they did not go in to make their accusations.

Verses 28-40

Joh 18:28-40

Jesus Before Pilate - John 18:28-40

Open It

1. *How might a politician rationalize his or her bending of the rules in order to please a group of concerned citizens?

2. When have you been tempted to do what works rather than what’s right?

Explore It

3. Why didn’t the Jews who lead Jesus to the Roman governor enter the palace? (John 18:28)

4. How did the Jews introduce Jesus to the governor Pilate? (John 18:28-30)

5. *What did Pilate want the Jews to do with Jesus? (John 18:31)

6. How was prophecy fulfilled by this event? (John 18:32)

7. What question did Pilate ask Jesus? (John 18:33)

8. What question did Jesus ask Pilate in reply? (John 18:34)

9. What did Jesus tell Pilate about His kingdom? (John 18:36)

10. *How did Jesus affirm Pilate? (John 18:37)

11. What last question did Pilate have for Jesus? (John 18:38)

12. *What choice did Pilate present to the Jews? (John 18:38-39)

13. What choice did the Jews make? (John 18:40)

Get It

14. Why is it easier to observe religious traditions than to love other people?

15. *When have you felt betrayed or used by people hiding behind religious motives?

16. *When, like Jesus, have you been willing to stand your ground regardless of the consequences?

17. When, like Pilate, have you been willing to sacrifice your principles in order to do something self-serving?

18. How would you answer the question, "What is truth?"

19. How is Jesus the King in your life?

Apply It

20. *In what settings might you need to stand up for the truth this week regardless of the consequences?

21. What is one way you can rearrange your priorities this week in honor of God as King over you?

Verse 29

Joh 18:29

John 18:29

Pilate therefore went out unto them,—It was an act of condescension on the part of Pilate that, to accommodate them, he went out of his courtroom to hear their accusation and proof against Jesus.

and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?—The accusation had not been sent up with the prisoner, so he asks them for their charge.

Verse 30

Joh 18:30

John 18:30

They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evil-doer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.—It is clear that they had no thought of a regular legal trial. They had not given him this in their own council. Nicodemus very pointedly asked the Sanhedrin: “Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51). There must be a specific charge and clear proof of guilt in the thing charged. They give to Pilate an indefinite and evasive answer, which shows that they expected him to give his judgment to please them regardless of facts. The results show that they did not misjudge him.

Verse 31

Joh 18:31

John 18:31

Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.—Since he was an evil­doer according to their law and they desired Pilate to act on their judgment of their law, he naturally suggested that they take him and judge him according to their law.

The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:—They had determined to put him to death so plead that they were not permitted to execute the death sen­tence. [They had judged and condemned Jesus according to their own law, and Pilate, on their refusal to state their charges, requested them to proceed with the case according to their own laws. The power of life and death had been taken away from them and placed in the hands of the Roman authorities. Had this not been in their way, doubtless they would have already killed him.]

Verse 32

Joh 18:32

John 18:32

that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.—Jesus had foretold that he would be crucified. This meant that he would be executed under the Roman law. That was the Roman method of executing the lowest criminals. The Jews stoned them. [Stephen was stoned to death in Jerusalem by a mob (Acts 7:58-59), and had the Jews been permitted to put Jesus to death, he would have been stoned to death also. But he had foretold what death he should die and that he would be crucified. (John 12:32; Matthew 20:18-19).]

Verse 33

Joh 18:33

John 18:33

Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?—Luke 23:2 says: “And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our nation, and for­bidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king.” So Pilate asks him of his claims to be king of the Jews. This was another effort to make him condemn himself. [Before Pilate returned to the courtroom, where Jesus had been taken, the Jews had made a formal charge that Jesus was seeking to overthrow the Roman government (Luke 23:2). This, of course, demanded the attention of the Roman governor. Jesus did claim that he would establish a kingdom and that he would be a king. He had been hailed as king of the Jews on entering Jerusalem. It was not ex­pected that Pilate would understand that his kingdom was spiritual but political, especially when a band of dishonest priests were perverting every fact to give color to their accu­sation. They had charged against him a triple accusation: (1) seditious agitation; (2) prohibition of the payment of the tribute money (taxes); and (3) the assumption of the suspicious title of “King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:3). The last accusation amounted to a charge of treason—the greatest crime known to Roman law. Of the three points of accusa­tion, the second was utterly false; the first and third, though in a sense true, were not true in the sense intended by his enemies.]

Verse 34

Joh 18:34

John 18:34

Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?—Jesus asked him whether this charge was originated with himself, or was it made by others. [Jesus did not ask the question for information, but it strikes the heart of the charge. Who made it? Did you or any Roman citizen ever see me breaking the Roman law? If a Roman preferred the charge, it might be examined, but when did the Jews ever find fault with a man seeking to free them? Pilate knew how restive the Jews were under the Roman yoke, and how ready they were to rebel, and the very hate shown Christ by them was proof that Jesus was not aiming to be such a king as they desired. Pilate comprehends the point.]

Verse 35

Joh 18:35

John 18:35

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me:—The Jews, not he, were accusing him. [The Romans had nothing to do with bringing the accusation. This disproved their charge.]

what hast thou done?—To stir up his people against him.

Verse 36

Joh 18:36

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:—While Jesus, in the thirty-fourth verse, had not said he was King of the Jews, he had no purpose of denying that he was their lawful king by descent from the kingly race; but ex­plains to Pilate that his kingdom is not an earthly kingdom.

if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.—In earthly kingdoms their sub­jects fight to deliver their king from their enemies. He did not do this as he had shown in forbidding Peter to use the sword. He said this to satisfy Pilate that he in no sense laid claim to earthly power or was a rival to Caesar. [His king­dom was not of this world, for the reason it did not spring from it, was heavenly in its origin, and hence his servants would not fight that he should not be delivered to the Jews. The fact that no resistance was made to his arrest was a proof that his servants did not propose resistance to worldly governments. His kingdom is supernatural, not of human origin. It is in the world, but not of the world. It is estab­lished and maintained, not by carnal weapons, but by spiritual and moral means. All attempts to propagate Christianity by the carnal sword are prohibited by the Prince of Peace. The only sword the Christian is authorized to use is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” If servants of Christ cannot fight for their Master, it stands true that they cannot fight for one not their Master; yet they have duties to per­form. It is their duty, by example and teaching, to restrain the evil and angry passions, to teach moderation and self­restraint, to inculcate forbearance and mercy, and to pray earnestly and faithfully for kings and rulers and all that are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. When war does come, it is their duty to act the part of the good Samaritan and do good to all that suffer and that are in need.]

Verse 37

Joh 18:37

John 18:37

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then?—With the explanation given that it was not an earthly king­dom, he answered Pilate directly:

Jesus answered, Thou [rightly] sayest that I am a king.—In confessing this truth concerning his being a king which sealed his death warrant, he added:

To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.—And he had done it in confessing that he was a king, even though it brought suffering to himself. And those who ac­cepted this truth would listen to Jesus. He not only told the truth in this, but his mission in the world was to pro­claim truth.

Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.—[They “hear” in the sense of heeding to what he says. They follow his instructions.]

Verse 38

Joh 18:38

John 18:38

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?—This he asked as though skeptical as to the claims or existence of truth. He was a time-server. Such have little faith in truth, or any being faithful to truth.

And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.—[He testi­fied unto the Jews that he found no fault in him worthy of condemnation.]

Verse 39

Joh 18:39

John 18:39

But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?—To conciliate the favor of the Jews, the Romans had adopted the rule of releasing to them some one guilty of some act of rebellion against the Roman authorities as friends of the Jews. Pilate proposed to release the King of the Jews to them. This was said in ridicule of them and the claims of Jesus to be the King of the Jews. [By a com­parison of other records of this incident, we find that in the interval, before Pilate’s effort to release Jesus according to the custom of the passover feast, he sent Jesus to Herod in order to shuffle off the responsibility, but Herod had sent him back to Pilate. Then he asks whether I shall not release him according to the custom. He was placed in a very trying position. Jesus was accused of treason against the Roman emperor; he declared that he was not guilty; the priests then accused Pilate of not being Caesar’s friend, intimating that they would accuse him to Caesar. Had he been accused of letting a man go free who claimed to be King of the Jews, it would have gone hard with him—probably would have been the cause of being put out of his office. This had much weight in his final cowardly decision.]

Verse 40

Joh 18:40

John 18:40

They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.—Barabbas had excited an insurrection against the Roman authorities and had in the insurrection been guilty of both murder and rob­bery. They demand him in preference to Jesus. The diffi­culty of the Jews in formulating charges against Jesus, and the utter disregard of the Jews of justice arose from this: the crimes against the Roman law were not crimes under their law. What the Romans regarded as high crimes the Jews at heart approved. The crime against the Jewish law was that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. The Jews at heart would gladly have accepted a king that would deliver them from Roman rule. In his trial, the singular thing was: sins of a man tried in the lower court for blasphemy in making himself the Son of God and in the appeal to the higher court the charge of claiming to be a king as treason against Caesar is substituted. It is not strange that a specific charge was not made against him, although it is once stated that he made himself obnoxious to their law by making “himself the Son of God.” (John 19:7).

Questions on John Chapter Eighteen

E.M. Zerr

1. To what place did Jesus go with his disciples?

2. Why did Judas know this place?

3. With whom did he come here now?

4. With what did he come?

5. From what authorities did these men come?

6. What did Jesus know?

7. Repeat his question to the band.

8. And their answer.

9. Also the remark of Jesus.

10. Who was standing with the mob?

11. What caused them to fall to the ground?

12. State the question that was repeated.

13. Tell his words upon their reply.

14. This was to fulfill what?

15. Who resorted to violence now?

16. By whom was he rebuked?

17. State his learning on the matter.

18. What was done then?

19. To whom did they lead Jesus?

20. Why to this man?

21. What had the high priest done before this?

22. Who followed Jesus?

23. Why did the second one go into the palace?

24. State where Peter stood.

25. How was he admitted?

26. Who spoke to him?

27. What was the subject of the conversation?

28. Tell what Peter said.

29. What were the conditions in nature at this time?

30. Of what did the high priest inquire?

31. Was this a secret subject?

32. How did Jesus criticize the high priest?

33. Tell what was done to Jesus then.

34. On what ground was it done?

35. Repeat the demand of Jesus.

36. Before what personage is Jesus now?

37. In what condition was he sent here?

38. What was again said to Peter?

39. And what answer?

40. Who spoke to him next?

41. Where had he seen him?

42. Tell what Peter did again.

43. What happened then?

44. To where did they lead Jesus then?

45. It was at what time?

46. Why did the Jews not enter this place ?

47. Who presided here?

48. What question did he ask?

49. Did they answer direct?

50. What did Pilate tell them to do?

51. Upon what pretense did they refuse?

52. This fulfilled what?

53. To whom did Pilate next speak?

54. Repeat his question.

55. And the question of Jesus to him.

56. Was Pilate a Jew?

57. What people had delivered Jesus?

58. Tell on what subject Jesus then spoke.

59. What citizens have right to fight?

60. And is this for offense or defense?

61. State the next question of Pilate.

62. And the answer.

63. Of what did Pilate then ask?

64. What answer did he receive?

65. Tell what he then said to the Jews.

66. To what custom did he then refer?

67. What was his proposition?

68. This brought what protest from them?