1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.
18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
31 Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: 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.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
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?
40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
1 When Jesus G2424 had spoken G2036 these words, G5023 he went forth G1831 with G4862 his G846 disciples G3101 over G4008 the brook G5493 Cedron, G2748 where G3699 was G2258 a garden, G2779 into G1519 the which G3739 he G846 entered, G1525 and G2532 his G846 disciples. G3101
2 And G1161 Judas G2455 also, G2532 which G3588 betrayed G3860 him, G846 knew G1492 the place: G5117 for G3754 Jesus G2424 ofttimes G4178 resorted G4863 thither G1563 with G3326 his G846 disciples. G3101
3 Judas G2455 then, G3767 having received G2983 a band G4686 of men and G2532 officers G5257 from G1537 the chief priests G749 and G2532 Pharisees, G5330 cometh G2064 thither G1563 with G3326 lanterns G5322 and G2532 torches G2985 and G2532 weapons. G3696
4 Jesus G2424 therefore, G3767 knowing G1492 all things G3956 that should come G2064 upon G1909 him, G846 went forth, G1831 and said G2036 unto them, G846 Whom G5101 seek ye? G2212
5 They answered G611 him, G846 Jesus G2424 of Nazareth. G3480 Jesus G2424 saith G3004 unto them, G846 I G1473 am G1510 he. And G1161 Judas G2455 also, G2532 which G3588 betrayed G3860 him, G846 stood G2476 with G3326 them. G846
6 As soon G5613 then G3767 as he had said G2036 unto them, G846 G3754 I G1473 am G1510 he, they went G565 backward, G1519 G3694 and G2532 fell G4098 to the ground. G5476
7 Then G3767 asked he G1905 them G846 again, G3825 Whom G5101 seek ye? G2212 And G1161 they said, G2036 Jesus G2424 of Nazareth. G3480
8 Jesus G2424 answered, G611 I have told G2036 you G5213 that G3754 I G1473 am G1510 he: if G1487 therefore G3767 ye seek G2212 me, G1691 let G863 these G5128 go their way: G5217
9 That G2443 the saying G3056 might be fulfilled, G4137 which G3739 he spake, G2036 G3754 Of G1537 them G846 which G3739 thou gavest G1325 me G3427 have I G3756 lost G622 none. G3762
10 Then G3767 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 having G2192 a sword G3162 drew G1670 it, G846 and G2532 smote G3817 the high priest's G749 servant, G1401 and G2532 cut off G609 his G846 right G1188 ear. G5621 G1161 The servant's G1401 name G3686 was G2258 Malchus. G3124
11 Then G3767 said G2036 Jesus G2424 unto Peter, G4074 Put up G906 thy G4675 sword G3162 into G1519 the sheath: G2336 the cup G4221 which G3739 my Father G3962 hath given G1325 me, G3427 shall I G4095 not G3378 drink G4095 it? G846
12 Then G3767 the band G4686 and G2532 the captain G5506 and G2532 officers G5257 of the Jews G2453 took G4815 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 bound G1210 him, G846
13 And G2532 led G520 him G846 away G520 to G4314 Annas G452 first; G4412 for G1063 he was G2258 father in law G3995 to Caiaphas, G2533 which G3739 was G2258 the high priest G749 that same G1565 year. G1763
14 Now G1161 Caiaphas G2533 was he, G2258 which G3588 gave counsel G4823 to the Jews, G2453 that G3754 it was expedient G4851 that one G1520 man G444 should die G622 for G5228 the people. G2992
15 And G1161 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 followed G190 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 so did another G243 disciple: G3101 G1161 that G1565 disciple G3101 was G2258 known G1110 unto the high priest, G749 and G2532 went in with G4897 Jesus G2424 into G1519 the palace G833 of the high priest. G749
16 But G1161 Peter G4074 stood G2476 at G4314 the door G2374 without. G1854 Then G3767 went out G1831 that other G243 disciple, G3101 which G3739 was G2258 known G1110 unto the high priest, G749 and G2532 spake G2036 unto her that kept the door, G2377 and G2532 brought in G1521 Peter. G4074
17 Then G3767 saith G3004 the damsel G3814 that kept the door G2377 unto Peter, G4074 Art G1488 not G3361 thou G4771 also G2532 one of G1537 this G5127 man's G444 disciples? G3101 He G1565 saith, G3004 I am G1510 not. G3756
18 And G1161 the servants G1401 and G2532 officers G5257 stood there, G2476 who had made G4160 a fire of coals; G439 for G3754 it was G2258 cold: G5592 and G2532 they warmed themselves: G2328 and G1161 Peter G4074 stood G2258 G2476 with G3326 them, G846 and G2532 warmed himself. G2328
19 The high priest G749 then G3767 asked G2065 Jesus G2424 of G4012 his G846 disciples, G3101 and G2532 of G4012 his G846 doctrine. G1322
20 Jesus G2424 answered G611 him, G846 I G1473 spake G2980 openly G3954 to the world; G2889 I G1473 ever G3842 taught G1321 in G1722 the synagogue, G4864 and G2532 in G1722 the temple, G2411 whither G3699 the Jews G2453 always G3842 resort; G4905 and G2532 in G1722 secret G2927 have I said G2980 nothing. G3762
21 Why G5101 askest thou G1905 me? G3165 ask G1905 them which heard me, G191 what G5101 I have said G2980 unto them: G846 behold, G2396 they G3778 know G1492 what G3739 I G1473 said. G2036
22 And G1161 when he G846 had G2036 thus G5023 spoken, G2036 one G1520 of the officers G5257 which stood by G3936 struck G1325 G4475 Jesus G2424 with the palm of his hand, G1325 G4475 saying, G2036 Answerest thou G611 the high priest G749 so? G3779
23 Jesus G2424 answered G611 him, G846 If G1487 I have spoken G2980 evil, G2560 bear witness G3140 of G4012 the evil: G2556 but G1161 if G1487 well, G2573 why G5101 smitest G1194 thou me? G3165
24 Now Annas G452 had sent G649 him G846 bound G1210 unto G4314 Caiaphas G2533 the high priest. G749
25 And G1161 Simon G4613 Peter G4074 stood G2258 G2476 and G2532 warmed himself. G2328 They said G2036 therefore G3767 unto him, G846 Art G1488 not G3361 thou G4771 also G2532 one of G1537 his G846 disciples? G3101 He G1565 denied G720 it, and G2532 said, G2036 I am G1510 not. G3756
26 One G1520 of G1537 the servants G1401 of the high priest, G749 being G5607 his kinsman G4773 whose G3739 ear G5621 Peter G4074 cut off, G609 saith, G3004 Did G1492 not G3756 I G1473 see G1492 thee G4571 in G1722 the garden G2779 with G3326 him? G846
27 Peter G4074 then G3767 denied G720 again: G3825 and G2532 immediately G2112 the cock G220 crew. G5455
28 Then G3767 led they G71 Jesus G2424 from G575 Caiaphas G2533 unto G1519 the hall of judgment: G4232 and G1161 it was G2258 early; G4405 and G2532 they themselves G846 went G1525 not G3756 into G1519 the judgment hall, G4232 lest G3363 they should be defiled; G3392 but G235 that G2443 they might eat G5315 the passover. G3957
29 Pilate G4091 then G3767 went out G1831 unto G4314 them, G846 and G2532 said, G2036 What G5101 accusation G2724 bring ye G5342 against G2596 this G5127 man? G444
30 They answered G611 and G2532 said G2036 unto him, G846 If G1508 he G3778 were G2258 not G1508 a malefactor, G2555 we would G302 not G3756 have delivered G3860 him G846 up G3860 unto thee. G4671
31 Then G3767 said G2036 Pilate G4091 unto them, G846 Take G2983 ye G5210 him, G846 and G2532 judge G2919 him G846 according G2596 to your G5216 law. G3551 The Jews G2453 therefore G3767 said G2036 unto him, G846 It is G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for us G2254 to put G615 any man G3762 to death: G615
32 That G2443 the saying G3056 of Jesus G2424 might be fulfilled, G4137 which G3739 he spake, G2036 signifying G4591 what G4169 death G2288 he should G3195 die. G599
33 Then G3767 Pilate G4091 entered G1525 into G1519 the judgment hall G4232 again, G3825 and G2532 called G5455 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 said G2036 unto him, G846 Art G1488 thou G4771 the King G935 of the Jews? G2453
34 Jesus G2424 answered G611 him, G846 Sayest G3004 thou G4771 this thing G5124 of G575 thyself, G1438 or G2228 did others G243 tell it G2036 thee G4671 of G4012 me? G1700
35 Pilate G4091 answered, G611 G3385 Am G1510 I G1473 a Jew? G2453 Thine own G4674 nation G1484 and G2532 the chief priests G749 have delivered G3860 thee G4571 unto me: G1698 what G5101 hast thou done? G4160
36 Jesus G2424 answered, G611 My G1699 kingdom G932 is G2076 not G3756 of G1537 this G5127 world: G2889 if G1487 my G1699 kingdom G932 were G2258 of G1537 this G5127 world, G2889 then would G302 my G1699 servants G5257 fight, G75 that G3363 I should G3860 not G3363 be delivered G3860 to the Jews: G2453 but G1161 now G3568 is G2076 my G1699 kingdom G932 not G3756 from hence. G1782
37 Pilate G4091 therefore G3767 said G2036 unto him, G846 Art G1488 thou G4771 a king G935 then? G3766 Jesus G2424 answered, G611 Thou G4771 sayest G3004 that G3754 I G1473 am G1510 a king. G935 To G1519 this G5124 end was G1080 I G1473 born, G1080 and G2532 for G1519 this G5124 cause came I G2064 into G1519 the world, G2889 that G2443 I should bear witness G3140 unto the truth. G225 Every one G3956 that is G5607 of G1537 the truth G225 heareth G191 my G3450 voice. G5456
38 Pilate G4091 saith G3004 unto him, G846 What G5101 is G2076 truth? G225 And G2532 when he had said G2036 this, G5124 he went out G1831 again G3825 unto G4314 the Jews, G2453 and G2532 saith G3004 unto them, G846 I G1473 find G2147 in G1722 him G846 no G3762 fault G156 at all.
39 But G1161 ye G5213 have G2076 a custom, G4914 that G2443 I should release G630 unto you G5213 one G1520 at G1722 the passover: G3957 will ye G1014 therefore G3767 that I release G630 unto you G5213 the King G935 of the Jews? G2453
40 Then G3767 cried they G2905 all G3956 again, G3825 saying, G3004 Not G3361 this man, G5126 but G235 Barabbas. G912 Now G1161 Barabbas G912 was G2258 a robber. G3027
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples.
2 Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having received the band `of soldiers', and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am `he'. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
6 When therefore he said unto them, I am `he', they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Again therefore he asked them, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered, I told you that I am `he'; if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spake, Of those whom thou hast given me I lost not one.
10 Simon Peter therefore having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant's name was Malchus.
11 Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
12 So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,
13 and led him to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
14 Now Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and `so did' another disciple. Now that disciple was known unto the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;
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.
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.
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.
19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.
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.
21 Why askest thou me? Ask them that have heard `me', what I spake unto them: behold, these know the things which I said.
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?
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore unto him, Art thou also `one' of his disciples? He denied, and said, I am not.
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?
27 Peter therefore denied again: and straightway the cock crew.
28 They lead Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium: and it was early; and they themselves entered not into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover.
29 Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?
30 They answered and said unto him, If this man were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up unto thee.
31 Pilate therefore said unto them, Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law. The Jews said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die.
33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee concerning me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: 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.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. 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. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.
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?
40 They cried out therefore again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.)
1 These things having said, Jesus went forth with his disciples beyond the brook of Kedron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples,
2 and Judas also, who delivered him up, had known the place, because many times did Jesus assemble there with his disciples.
3 Judas, therefore, having taken the band and officers out of the chief priests and Pharisees, doth come thither with torches and lamps, and weapons;
4 Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that are coming upon him, having gone forth, said to them, `Whom do ye seek?'
5 they answered him, `Jesus the Nazarene;' Jesus saith to them, `I am `he';' -- and Judas who delivered him up was standing with them; --
6 when, therefore, he said to them -- `I am `he',' they went away backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Again, therefore, he questioned them, `Whom do ye seek?' and they said, `Jesus the Nazarene;'
8 Jesus answered, `I said to you that I am `he'; if, then, me ye seek, suffer these to go away;'
9 that the word might be fulfilled that he said -- `Those whom Thou hast given to me, I did not lose of them even one.'
10 Simon Peter, therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the chief priest's servant, and cut off his right ear -- and the name of the servant was Malchus --
11 Jesus, therefore, said to Peter, `Put the sword into the sheath; the cup that the Father hath given to me, may I not drink it?'
12 The band, therefore, and the captain, and the officers of the Jews, took hold on Jesus, and bound him,
13 and they led him away to Annas first, for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was chief priest of that year,
14 and Caiaphas was he who gave counsel to the Jews, that it is good for one man to perish for the people.
15 And following Jesus was Simon Peter, and the other disciple, and that disciple was known to the chief priest, and he entered with Jesus to the hall of the chief priest,
16 and Peter was standing at the door without, therefore went forth the other disciple who was known to the chief priest, and he spake to the female keeping the door, and he brought in Peter.
17 Then said the maid keeping the door to Peter, `Art thou also of the disciples of this man?' he saith, `I am not;'
18 and the servants and the officers were standing, having made a fire of coals, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves, and Peter was standing with them, and warming himself.
19 The chief priests, therefore, questioned Jesus concerning his disciples, and concerning his teaching;
20 Jesus answered him, `I spake freely to the world, I did always teach in a synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews do always come together; and in secret I spake nothing;
21 why me dost thou question? question those having heard what I spake to them; lo, these have known what I said.'
22 And he having said these things, one of the officers standing by did give Jesus a slap, saying, `Thus dost thou answer the chief priest?'
23 Jesus answered him, `If I spake ill, testify concerning the ill; and if well, why me dost thou smite?'
24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the chief priest.
25 And Simon Peter was standing and warming himself, they said then to him, `Art thou also of his disciples?' he denied, and said, `I am not.'
26 One of the servants of the chief priest, being kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, saith, `Did not I see thee in the garden with him?'
27 again, therefore, Peter denied, and immediately a cock crew.
28 They led, therefore, Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium, and it was early, and they themselves did not enter into the praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the passover;
29 Pilate, therefore, went forth unto them, and said, `What accusation do ye bring against this man?'
30 they answered and said to him, `If he were not an evil doer, we had not delivered him to thee.'
31 Pilate, therefore, said to them, `Take ye him -- ye -- and according to your law judge him;' the Jews, therefore, said to him, `It is not lawful to us to put any one to death;'
32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he said, signifying by what death he was about to die.
33 Pilate, therefore, entered into the praetorium again, and called Jesus, and said to him, `Thou art the King of the Jews?'
34 Jesus answered him, `From thyself dost thou say this? or did others say it to thee about me?'
35 Pilate answered, `Am I a Jew? thy nation, and the chief priests did deliver thee up to me; what didst thou?'
36 Jesus answered, `My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my officers had struggled that I might not be delivered up to Jews; but now my kingdom is not from hence.'
37 Pilate, therefore, said to him, `Art thou then a king?' Jesus answered, `Thou dost say `it'; because a king I am, I for this have been born, and for this I have come to the world, that I may testify to the truth; every one who is of the truth, doth hear my voice.'
38 Pilate saith to him, `What is truth?' and this having said, again he went forth unto the Jews, and saith to them, `I do find no fault in him;
39 and ye have a custom that I shall release to you one in the passover; will ye, therefore, `that' I shall release to you the king of the Jews?'
40 therefore they all cried out again, saying, `Not this one -- but Barabbas;' and Barabbas was a robber.
1 Jesus, having said these things, went out with his disciples beyond the torrent Cedron, where was a garden, into which he entered, he and his disciples.
2 And Judas also, who delivered him up, knew the place, because Jesus was often there, in company with his disciples.
3 Judas therefore, having got the band, and officers of the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that were coming upon him, went forth and said to them, Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus the Nazaraean. Jesus says to them, I am [he]. And Judas also, who delivered him up, stood with them.
6 When therefore he said to them, I am [he], they went away backward and fell to the ground.
7 He demanded of them therefore again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus the Nazaraean.
8 Jesus answered, I told you that I am [he]: if therefore ye seek me, let these go away;
9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, [As to] those whom thou hast given me, I have not lost one of them.
10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and smote the bondman of the high priest and cut off his right ear; and the bondman's name was Malchus.
11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given me, shall I not drink it?
12 The band therefore, and the chiliarch, and the officers of the Jews, took Jesus and bound him:
13 and they led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
14 But it was Caiaphas who counselled the Jews that it was better that one man should perish for the people.
15 Now Simon Peter followed Jesus, and the other disciple. But that disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest;
16 but Peter stood at the door without. The other disciple therefore, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the porteress and brought in Peter.
17 The maid therefore, who was porteress, says to Peter, Art thou also of the disciples of this man? He says, I am not.
18 But the bondmen and officers, having made a fire of coals (for it was cold), stood and warmed themselves; and Peter was standing with them and warming himself.
19 The high priest therefore demanded of Jesus concerning his disciples and concerning his doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I taught always in [the] synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together, and in secret I have spoken nothing.
21 Why demandest thou of me? Demand of those who have heard, what I have spoken to them; behold, they know what I have said.
22 But as he said these things, one of the officers who stood by gave a blow on the face to Jesus, saying, Answerest thou the high priest thus?
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?
24 Annas [then] had sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 But Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, Art thou also of his disciples? He denied, and said, I am not.
26 One of the bondmen of the high priest, who was kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, says, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
27 Peter denied therefore again, and immediately [the] cock crew.
28 They lead therefore Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium; and it was early morn. And *they* entered not into the praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but eat the passover.
29 Pilate therefore went out to them and said, What accusation do ye bring against this man?
30 They answered and said to him, If this [man] were not an evildoer, we should not have delivered him up to thee.
31 Pilate therefore said to them, Take him, ye, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him, It is not permitted to us to put any one to death;
32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled which he spoke, signifying what death he should die.
33 Pilate therefore entered again into the praetorium and called Jesus, and said to him, Thou art the king of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered [him], Dost thou say this of thyself, or have others said it to thee concerning me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thy nation and the chief priests have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my servants had fought that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but now my kingdom is not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said to him, Thou art then a king? Jesus answered, Thou sayest [it], that I am a king. I have been born for this, and for this I have come into the world, that I might bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.
38 Pilate says to him, What is truth? And having said this he went out again to the Jews, and says to them, I find no fault whatever in him.
39 But ye have a custom that I release [some] one to you at the passover; will ye therefore that I release unto you the king of the Jews?
40 They cried therefore again all, saying, Not this [man], but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often resorted there with his disciples.
3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"
5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I AM." Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
6 When therefore he said to them, "I AM," they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Again therefore he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I AM. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,"
9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none."
10 Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"
12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him,
13 and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people.
15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest;
16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, "Are you also one of this man's disciples?" He said, "I am not."
18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching.
20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.
21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said."
22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?"
23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"
24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.
25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, "You aren't also one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, and said, "I am not."
26 One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"
27 Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.
28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn't enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.
29 Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"
30 They answered him, "If this man weren't an evildoer, we wouldn't have delivered him up to you."
31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"
32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die.
33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"
35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"
36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."
37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him.
39 But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"
40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.
1 When Jesus had said these words he went out with his disciples over the stream Kedron to a garden, into which he went with his disciples.
2 And Judas, who was false to him, had knowledge of the place because Jesus went there frequently with his disciples.
3 So Judas, getting a band of armed men and police from the chief priests and Pharisees, went there with lights and with arms.
4 Then Jesus, having knowledge of everything which was coming on him, went forward and said to them, Who are you looking for?
5 Their answer was, Jesus the Nazarene. Jesus said, I am he. And Judas, who was false to him, was there at their side.
6 And when he said to them, I am he, they went back, falling to the earth.
7 So again he put the question to them, Who are you looking for? And they said, Jesus the Nazarene.
8 Jesus made answer, I have said that I am he; if you are looking for me, let these men go away.
9 (He said this so that his words might come true, I have kept safe all those whom you gave to me.)
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, took it out and gave the high priest's servant a blow, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then Jesus said to Peter, Put back your sword: am I not to take the cup which my Father has given to me?
12 Then the band and the chief captain and the police took Jesus and put cords round him.
13 They took him first to Annas, because Annas was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priest that year.
14 It was Caiaphas who had said to the Jews that it was in their interest for one man to be put to death for the people.
15 And Simon Peter went after Jesus with another disciple. Now that disciple was a friend of the high priest and he went in with Jesus into the house of the high priest;
16 But Peter was kept outside at the door. Then this other disciple, who was a friend of the high priest, came out and had a word with the girl who kept the door, and took Peter in.
17 Then the girl who was the door-keeper said to Peter, Are you not one of this man's disciples? In answer he said, I am not.
18 Now the servants and the police had made a fire of coals because it was cold; they were warming themselves in front of it and Peter was there with them, warming himself.
19 Then the high priest put questions to Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20 Jesus made answer, I said things openly to the world at all times; I have given my teaching in the Synagogues and in the Temple to which all the Jews come; and I have said nothing secretly.
21 Why are you questioning me? put questions to my hearers about what I have said to them: they have knowledge of what I said.
22 When he said this, one of the police by his side gave him a blow with his open hand, saying, Do you give such an answer to the high priest?
23 Jesus said in answer, If I have said anything evil, give witness to the evil: but if I said what is true, why do you give me blows?
24 Then Annas sent him chained to Caiaphas, the high priest.
25 But Simon Peter was still there warming himself by the fire. They said to him, Are you not one of his disciples? He said, No, I am not.
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relation of him whose ear had been cut off by Peter, said, Did I not see you with him in the garden?
27 Then again Peter said, No. And straight away a cock gave its cry.
28 So they took Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not go into the Praetorium, so that they might not become unclean, but might take the Passover.
29 So Pilate came out to them and put the question: What have you to say against this man?
30 They said to him in answer, If the man was not a wrongdoer we would not have given him up to you.
31 Then Pilate said to them, Take him yourselves and let him be judged by your law. But the Jews said to him, We have no right to put any man to death.
32 (That the word of Jesus might come true, pointing to the sort of death he would have.)
33 Then Pilate went back into the Praetorium and sent for Jesus and said to him, Are you the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus made answer, Do you say this of yourself, or did others say it about me?
35 Pilate said, Am I a Jew? Your nation and the chief priests have given you into my hands: what have you done?
36 Jesus said in answer, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom was of this world, my disciples would have made a good fight to keep me out of the hands of the Jews: but my kingdom is not here.
37 Then Pilate said to him, Are you then a king? Jesus made answer, You say that I am a king. For this purpose was I given birth, and for this purpose I came into the world, that I might give witness to what is true. Every lover of what is true gives ear to my voice.
38 Pilate said to him, True? what is true? Having said this he went out again to the Jews and said to them, I see no wrong in him.
39 But every year you make a request to me to let a prisoner go free at the Passover. Is it your desire that I let the King of the Jews go free?
40 Then again they gave a loud cry, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was an outlaw.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on John 18
Commentary on John 18 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 18
Joh 18:1-13. Betrayal and Apprehension of Jesus.
1-3. over the brook Kedron—a deep, dark ravine, to the northeast of Jerusalem, through which flowed this small storm brook or winter torrent, and which in summer is dried up.
where was a garden—at the foot of the Mount of Olives, "called Gethsemane; that is, olive press (Mt 26:30, 36).
2. Judas … knew the place, for Jesus ofttimes—see Joh 8:1; Lu 21:37.
resorted thither with his disciples—The baseness of this abuse of knowledge in Judas, derived from admission to the closest privacies of his Master, is most touchingly conveyed here, though nothing beyond bare narrative is expressed. Jesus, however, knowing that in this spot Judas would expect to find Him, instead of avoiding it, hies Him thither, as a Lamb to the slaughter. "No man taketh My life from Me, but I lay it down of Myself" (Joh 10:18). Besides, the scene which was to fill up the little breathing-time, the awful interval, between the Supper and the Apprehension—like the "silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour" between the breaking of the Apocalyptic Seals and the peal of the Trumpets of war (Re 8:1)—the AGONY—would have been too terrible for the upper room; nor would He cloud the delightful associations of the last Passover and the first Supper by pouring out the anguish of His soul there. The garden, however, with its amplitude, its shady olives, its endeared associations, would be congenial to His heart. Here He had room enough to retire—first, from eight of them, and then from the more favored three; and here, when that mysterious scene was over, the stillness would only be broken by the tread of the traitor.
3. Judas then—"He that was called Judas, one of the Twelve," says Luke (Lu 22:47), in language which brands him with peculiar infamy, as in the sacred circle while in no sense of it.
a band of men—"the detachment of the Roman cohort on duty at the festival for the purpose of maintaining order" [Webster and Wilkinson].
officers from the chief priests and Pharisees—captains of the temple and armed Levites.
lanterns and torches—It was full moon, but in case He should have secreted Himself somewhere in the dark ravine, they bring the means of exploring its hiding-places—little knowing whom they had to do with. "Now he that betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He, hold Him fast" (Mt 26:48). The cold-bloodedness of this speech was only exceeded by the deed itself. "And Judas went before them [Lu 22:47], and forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master, and kissed Him" (Mt 26:49; compare Ex 4:27; 18:7; Lu 7:45). The impudence of this atrocious deed shows how thoroughly he had by this time mastered all his scruples. If the dialogue between our Lord and His captors was before this, as some interpreters think it was, the kiss of Judas was purely gratuitous, and probably to make good his right to the money; our Lord having presented Himself unexpectedly before them, and rendered it unnecessary for any one to point Him out. But a comparison of the narratives seems to show that our Lord's "coming forth" to the band was subsequent to the interview of Judas. "And Jesus said unto him, Friend"—not the endearing term "friend" (in Joh 15:15), but "companion," a word used on occasions of remonstrance or rebuke (as in Mt 20:13; 22:12)—"Wherefore art thou come?" (Mt 26:50). "Betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss"—imprinting upon the foulest act the mark of tenderest affection? What wounded feeling does this express! Of this Jesus showed Himself on various occasions keenly susceptible—as all generous and beautiful natures do.
4-9. Jesus … knowing all things that should come—were coming.
upon him, went forth—from the shade of the trees, probably, into open view, indicating His sublime preparedness to meet His captors.
Whom seek ye?—partly to prevent a rush of the soldiery upon the disciples [Bengel]; and see Mr 14:51, 52, as showing a tendency to this: but still more as part of that courage and majesty which so overawed them. He would not wait to be taken.
5. They answered … Jesus of Nazareth—just the sort of blunt, straight forward reply one expects from military men, simply acting on their instructions.
I am He—(See on Joh 6:20).
Judas … stood with them—No more is recorded here of his part of the scene, but we have found the gap painfully supplied by all the other Evangelists.
6. As soon then as he said unto them, I am He, they went backward—recoiled.
and fell to the ground—struck down by a power such as that which smote Saul of Tarsus and his companions to the earth (Ac 26:14). It was the glorious effulgence of the majesty of Christ which overpowered them. "This, occurring before His surrender, would show His power over His enemies, and so the freedom with which He gave Himself up" [Meyer].
7. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye?—Giving them a door of escape from the guilt of a deed which now they were able in some measure to understand.
Jesus of Nazareth—The stunning effect of His first answer wearing off, they think only of the necessity of executing their orders.
8. I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way—Wonderful self-possession, and consideration for others, in such circumstances!
9. That the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none—The reference is to such sayings as Joh 6:39; 17:12; showing how conscious the Evangelist was, that in reporting his Lord's former sayings, he was giving them not in substance merely, but in form also. Observe, also, how the preservation of the disciples on this occasion is viewed as part that deeper preservation undoubtedly intended in the saying quoted.
10, 11. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus—None of the other Evangelists mention the name either of the ardent disciple or of his victim. John being "known to the high priest" (Joh 18:15), the mention of the servant's name by him is quite natural, and an interesting mark of truth in a small matter. As to the right ear, specified both here and in Luke (Lu 22:50), the man was "likely foremost of those who advanced to seize Jesus, and presented himself in the attitude of a combatant; hence his right side would be exposed to attack. The blow of Peter was evidently aimed vertically at his head" [Webster and Wilkinson].
11. Then said Jesus—"Suffer ye thus far" (Lu 22:51).
Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?—This expresses both the feelings which struggled in the Lord's breast during the Agony in the garden—aversion to the cup viewed in itself, but, in the light of the Father's will, perfect preparedness to drink it. (See on Lu 22:39-46). Matthew adds to the address to Peter the following:—"For all they that take the sword shall perish by the sword" (Mt 26:52)—that is, 'Those who take the sword must run all the risks of human warfare; but Mine is a warfare whose weapons, as they are not carnal, are attended with no such hazards, but carry certain victory.' "Thinkest thou that I cannot now"—even after things have proceeded so far—"pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me"—rather, "place at My disposal"—"more than twelve legions of angels"; with allusion, possibly, to the one angel who had, in His agony, "appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him" (Lu 22:43); and in the precise number, alluding to the twelve who needed the help, Himself and His eleven disciples. (The full complement of a legion of Roman soldiers was six thousand). "But how then shall the scripture be fulfilled that thus it must be?" (Mt 26:53, 54). He could not suffer, according to the Scripture, if He allowed Himself to be delivered from the predicted death. "And He touched his ear and healed him" (Lu 22:51); for "the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them" (Lu 9:56), and, even while they were destroying His, to save theirs.
12. Then the band … took Jesus—but not till He had made them feel that "no man took His life from Him, but that He laid it down of Himself."
13. And led him away—"In that hour," says Matthew (Mt 26:55, 56), and probably now, on the way to judgment, when the crowds were pressing upon Him, "said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief, with swords and staves, for to take Me"—expressive of the indignity which He felt to be thus done to Him—"I sat daily with you in the temple, and ye laid no hold on Me. But this" (adds Lu 22:53) "is your hour and the power of darkness." Matthew continues—"But all this was done that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled" (Mt 26:56)—thus fulfilling His prediction (Mr 14:27; Joh 16:32).
Joh 18:13-27. Jesus before Annas and Caiaphas—Fall of Peter.
13, 14. And led him away to Annas first—(See on Lu 3:2, and Mt 26:57). (Also see on Mr 14:53.)
14. Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people—(Also see on Mr 14:53.)
15-18. Simon Peter followed Jesus—Natural though this was, and safe enough, had he only "watched and prayed that he enter not into temptation," as his Master bade him (Mt 26:41), it was, in his case, a fatal step.
and … another disciple—Rather, "the other disciple"—our Evangelist himself, no doubt.
known unto the high priest—(See on Joh 18:10).
went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16. But Peter stood at the door without—by preconcerted arrangement with his friend till he should get access for him.
Then went out that other … and spake to her that kept the door, and brought in Peter—The naturalness of these small details is not unworthy of notice. This other disciple first made good his own entrance on the score of acquaintance with the high priest; this secured, he goes forth again, now as a privileged person, to make interest for Peter's admission. But thus our poor disciple is in the coils of the serpent. The next steps will best be seen by inverting Joh 18:17 and Joh 18:18.
17. Then saith the damsel that kept the door—"one of the maids of the high priest," says Mark (Mr 14:66). "When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him and said" (Mr 14:67). Luke is more graphic (Lu 22:56)—She "beheld him as he sat by the fire (literally, 'the light'), and earnestly looked on him (fixed her gaze upon him), and said." "His demeanor and timidity, which must have vividly showed themselves, as it so generally happens, leading to the recognition of him" [Olshausen].
Art thou not also one of this man's disciples?—that is, thou as well as "that other disciple," whom she knew to be one, but did not challenge, perceiving that he was a privileged person.
He saith, I am not—"He denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest" (Mt 26:70)—a common form of point blank denial; "I know [supply 'Him'] not, neither understand I what thou sayest" (Mr 14:68); "Woman, I know Him not" (Lu 22:57). This was THE FIRST DENIAL. "And he went out into the porch [thinking, perhaps, to steal away], and the cock crew," (Mr 14:68).
18. And the servants and officers—the menials and some of the "band" that "took Jesus." (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
stood there, who had made—"having made."
a fire of coals, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves—"John alone notices the material (charcoal) of which the fire was made, and the reason for a fire—the coldness of the night" [Webster and Wilkinson]. "Peter went in and sat with the servants to see the end (Mt 26:58), and warmed himself at the fire" (Mr 14:54). These two statements are extremely interesting. His wishing to "see the end," of issue of these proceedings, was what led him into the palace, for he evidently feared the worst. But once in, the serpent coil is drawn closer; it is a cold night, and why should not he take advantage of the fire as well as others? Besides, in the talk of the crowd about the all-engrossing topic, he may pick up something which he would like to hear. "And as Peter was beneath in the palace" (Mr 14:66). Matthew (Mt 26:69) says, "sat without in the palace." According to Oriental architecture, and especially in large buildings, as here, the street door—or heavy folding gate through which single persons entered by a wicket kept by a porter—opened by a passage or "porch" (Mr 14:68) into a quadrangular court, here called the "palace" or hall, which was open above, and is frequently paved with flagstones. In the center of this court the "fire" would be kindled (in a brazier). At the upper end of it, probably, was the chamber in which the trial was held, open to the court and not far from the fire (Lu 22:61), but on a higher level; for Mark (Mr 14:66) says the court was "beneath" it. The ascent was, perhaps, by a short flight of steps. This explanation will make the intensely interesting details more intelligible.
19-21. The high priest … asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine—probably to entrap Him into some statements which might be used against Him at the trial. From our Lord's answer it would seem that "His disciples" were understood to be some secret party. (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
20. I spake—have spoken.
openly to the world—See Joh 7:4.
I ever taught in the synagogues and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort—courting publicity, though with sublime noiselessness.
in secret have I said—spake I.
nothing—that is, nothing of any different nature; all His private communications with the Twelve being but explanations and developments of His public teaching. (Compare Isa 45:19; 48:16). (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
21. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me … they know what I … said—This seems to imply that He saw the attempt to draw Him into self-crimination, and resented it by falling back upon the right of every accused party to have some charge laid against Him by competent witnesses. (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
22. struck Jesus with the palm … Answerest Thou the high priest so—(See Isa 50:6; and compare Ac 23:2). (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
23. If I have spoken, &c.—"if I spoke" evil, in reply to the high priest. (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
if well—He does not say "If not" evil, as if His reply were merely unobjectionable: "well" seems to challenge more than this as due to His remonstrance This shows that Mt 5:39 is not to be taken to the letter.
24-27. Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas—Our translators so render the words, understanding that the foregoing interview took place before Caiaphas; Annas, declining to meddle with the case, having sent Him to Caiaphas at once. But the words here literally are, "Annas sent Him [not 'had sent Him'] to Caiaphas"—and the "now" being of doubtful authority. Thus read, the verse affords no evidence that He was sent to Caiaphas before the interview just recorded, but implies rather the contrary. We take this interview, then, with some of the ablest interpreters, to be a preliminary and non-official one with Annas, at an hour of the night when Caiaphas' Council could not convene; and one that ought not to be confounded with that solemn one recorded by the other Evangelists, when all were assembled and witnesses called. But the building in which both met with Jesus appears to have been the same, the room only being different, and the court, of course, in that case, one. (Also see on Mr 14:54.)
25. And Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore … Art thou not also one of his disciples?—In Mt 26:71 the second charge was made by "another maid, when he was gone out into the porch," who "saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth." So also Mr 14:69. But in Lu 22:58 it is said, "After a little while" (from the time of the first denial), "another [man] saw him, and said, Thou art also of them." Possibly it was thrown at him by more than one; but these circumstantial variations only confirm the truth of the narrative.
He denied it, and said, I am not—in Mt 26:72, "He denied with an oath, I do not know the man." This was THE SECOND DENIAL.
26. One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman, whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him—No doubt his relationship to Malchus drew attention to the man who smote him, and this enabled him to identify Peter. "Sad reprisals!" [Bengel]. The other Evangelists make his detection to turn upon his dialect. "After a while ['about the space of one hour after' (Lu 22:59)] came unto him they that stood by and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them, for thy speech betrayeth thee" (Mt 26:73). "Thou art a Galilean, and thy speech agreeth thereto" (Mr 14:70; and so Lu 22:59). The Galilean dialect had a more Syrian cast than that of Judea. If Peter had held his peace, this peculiarity had not been observed; but hoping, probably, to put them off the scent by joining in the fireside talk, he only thus revealed himself.
27. Peter then denied again—But, if the challenge of Malchus' kinsman was made simultaneously with this on account of his Galilean dialect, it was no simple denial; for Mt 26:74 says, "Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man." So Mr 14:71. This was THE THIRD DENIAL.
and immediately—"while he yet spake" (Lu 22:60).
the cock crew—As Mark is the only Evangelist who tells us that our Lord predicted that the cock should crow twice (Mr 14:30), so he only mentions that it did crow twice (Mr 14:72). The other Evangelists, who tell us merely that our Lord predicted that "before the cock should crow he would deny Him thrice" (Mt 26:34; Lu 22:34; Joh 13:38), mention only one actual crowing, which was Mark's last. This is something affecting in this Evangelist—who, according to the earliest tradition (confirmed by internal evidence), derived his materials so largely from Peter as to have been styled his "interpreter," being the only one who gives both the sad prediction and its still sadder fulfilment in full. It seems to show that Peter himself not only retained through all his after-life the most vivid recollection of the circumstances of his fall, but that he was willing that others should know them too. The immediately subsequent acts are given in full only in Luke (Lu 22:61, 62): "And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter," from the hall of judgment to the court, in the way already explained. But who can tell what lightning flashes of wounded love and piercing reproach shot from that "look" through the eye of Peter into his heart! "And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. And Peter went out and wept bitterly." How different from the sequel of Judas' act! Doubtless the hearts of the two men towards the Saviour were perfectly different from the first; and the treason of Judas was but the consummation of the wretched man's resistance of the blaze of light in the midst of which he had lived for three years, while Peter's denial was but a momentary obscuration of the heavenly light and love to his Master which ruled his life. But the immediate cause of the revulsion, which made Peter "weep bitterly," was, beyond all doubt, this heart-piercing "look" which his Lord gave him. And remembering the Saviour's own words at the table, "Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed [rather, 'I prayed'] for thee that thy faith fail not" (see on Lu 22:31, 32), may we not say that this prayer fetched down all that there was in that 'look' to pierce and break the heart of. Peter, to keep it from despair, to work in it "repentance unto salvation not to be repented of," and at length, under other healing touches, to "restore his soul?" (See on Mr 16:7).
Joh 18:28-40. Jesus before Pilate.
Note.—Our Evangelist, having given the interview with Annas, omitted by the other Evangelists, here omits the trial and condemnation before Caiaphas, which the others had recorded. (See on Mr 14:53-65). [The notes broken off there at Mr 14:54 are here concluded].
Mr 14:53-65:
Mr 14:61:
The high priest asked Him, Art Thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed?—Matthew says the high priest put Him upon solemn oath, saying, "I adjure Thee by the living God that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God" (Mt 26:63). This rendered an answer by our Lord legally necessary (Le 5:1). Accordingly, Mr 14:62:
Jesus said, I am—"Thou hast said" (Mt 26:64). In Lu 22:67, 68, some other words are given, "If I tell you, ye will not believe; and if I also ask you, ye will not answer Me, nor let Me go." This seems to have been uttered before giving His direct answer, as a calm remonstrance and dignified protest against the prejudgment of His case and the unfairness of their mode of procedure.
and ye shall see the Son of man, &c.—This concluding part of our Lord's answer is given somewhat more fully by Matthew and Luke. "Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter [rather, 'From henceforth'] shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (Mt 26:64; Lu 22:69).—that is, I know the scorn with which ye are ready to meet such an avowal: To your eyes, which are but eyes of flesh, there stands at this bar only a mortal like yourselves, and He at the mercy of the ecclesiastical and civil authorities: "Nevertheless," a day is coming when ye shall see another sight: Those eyes, which now gaze on Me with proud disdain, shall see this very prisoner at the right hand of the Majesty on high, and coming in the clouds of heaven: Then shall the judged One be revealed as the Judge, and His judges in this chamber appear at His august tribunal; then shall the unrighteous judges be impartially judged; and while they are wishing that they had never been born, He for whom they now watch as their Victim shall be greeted with the hallelujahs of heaven, and the welcome of Him that sitteth upon the throne! Mr 14:63, 64:
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy—"of his own mouth" (Lu 22:71); an affectation of religious horror.
What think ye?—"Say, what verdict would ye pronounce."
They all condemned Him to be guilty of death—of a capital crime. (See Le 24:16). Mr 14:65:
And some began to spit on Him—"Then did they spit in His face" (Mt 26:67). See Isa 50:6.
And to cover His face, and to buffet Him, and to say unto Him, Prophesy—or, "divine," "unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee?" The sarcasm in styling Him the Christ, and as such demanding of Him the perpetrator of the blows inflicted upon Him, was in them as infamous as to Him it was stinging.
and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands—"And many other things blasphemously spake they against him" (Lu 22:65). This general statement is important, as showing that virulent and varied as were the recorded affronts put upon Him, they are but a small specimen of what He endured on that black occasion.
28. Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas to the hall of judgment—but not till "in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council against Him to put Him to death, and bound Him" (Mt 27:1; and see on Mr 15:1). The word here rendered "hall of judgment" is from the Latin, and denotes "the palace of the governor of a Roman province."
they themselves went not into the judgment hall lest they should be defiled—by contact with ceremonially unclean Gentiles.
but that they might eat the passover—If this refer to the principal part of the festival, the eating of the lamb, the question is, how our Lord and His disciples came to eat it the night before; and, as it was an evening meal, how ceremonial defilement contracted in the morning would unfit them for partaking of it, as after six o'clock it was reckoned a new day. These are questions which have occasioned immense research and learned treatises. But as the usages of the Jews appear to have somewhat varied at different times, and our present knowledge of them is not sufficient to clear up all difficulties, they are among the not very important questions which probably will never be entirely solved.
29-32. Pilate went out to them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?—State your charge.
30. If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee—They were conscious they had no case of which Pilate could take cognizance, and therefore insinuate that they had already found Him worthy of death by their own law; but not having the power, under the Roman government, to carry their sentence into execution, they had come merely for his sanction.
32. That the saying … might be fulfilled which he spake, signifying what death he should die—that is, by crucifixion (Joh 12:32, 33; Mt 20:19); which being a Roman mode of execution, could only be carried into effect by order of the governor. (The Jewish mode in such cases as this was by stoning).
33-38. Pilate … called Jesus, and said … Art thou the King of the Jews?—In Lu 23:2 they charge our Lord before Pilate with "perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that He Himself is Christ a king." Perhaps this was what occasioned Pilate's question.
34. Jesus answered … Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?—an important question for our Lord's case, to bring out whether the word "King" were meant in a political sense, with which Pilate had a right to deal, or whether he were merely put up to it by His accusers, who had no claims to charge Him but such as were of a purely religious nature, with which Pilate had nothing to do.
35. Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee to me: What hast thou done?—that is, "Jewish questions I neither understand nor meddle with; but Thou art here on a charge which, though it seems only Jewish, may yet involve treasonable matter: As they state it, I cannot decide the point; tell me, then, what procedure of Thine has brought Thee into this position." In modern phrase, Pilate's object in this question was merely to determine the relevancy of the charge.
36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world—He does not say "not over," but "not of this world"—that is, in its origin and nature; therefore "no such kingdom as need give thee or thy master the least alarm."
if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews—"A very convincing argument; for if His servants did not fight to prevent their King from being delivered up to His enemies, much less would they use force for the establishment of His kingdom" [Webster and Wilkinson].
but now—but the fact is.
is my kingdom not from hence—Our Lord only says whence His kingdom is not—first simply affirming it, next giving proof of it, then reaffirming it. This was all that Pilate had to do with. The positive nature of His kingdom He would not obtrude upon one who was as little able to comprehend it, as entitled officially to information about it. (It is worthy of notice that the "MY," which occurs four times in this one verse—thrice of His kingdom, and once of His servants—is put in the emphatic form).
37. Art thou a king then?—There was no sarcasm or disdain in this question (as Tholuck, Alford, and others, allege), else our Lord's answer would have been different. Putting emphasis upon "thou," his question betrays a mixture of surprise and uneasiness, partly at the possibility of there being, after all, something dangerous under the claim, and partly from a certain awe which our Lord's demeanor probably struck into him.
Thou sayest that I am a king—It is even so.
To this end was I—"have I been."
born and for this cause came I—am I come.
into the world, that I may bear witness to the truth—His birth expresses His manhood; His coming into the world, His existence before assuming humanity: The truth, then, here affirmed, though Pilate would catch little of it, was that His Incarnation was expressly in order to the assumption of Royalty in our nature. Yet, instead of saying, He came to be a King, which is His meaning, He says He came to testify to the truth. Why this? Because, in such circumstances it required a noble courage not to flinch from His royal claims; and our Lord, conscious that He was putting forth that courage, gives a turn to His confession expressive of it. It is to this that Paul alludes, in those remarkable words to Timothy: "I charge thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who, in the presence of Pontius Pilate, witnessed the good confession" (1Ti 6:13). This one act of our Lord's life, His courageous witness-bearing before the governor, was selected as an encouraging example of the fidelity which Timothy ought to display. As the Lord (says Olshausen beautifully) owned Himself the Son of God before the most exalted theocratic council, so He confessed His regal dignity in presence of the representative of the highest political authority on earth.
Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice—Our Lord here not only affirms that His word had in it a self-evidencing, self-recommending power, but gently insinuated the true secret of the growth and grandeur of His kingdom—as A Kingdom of truth, in its highest sense, into which all souls who have learned to live and count all things but loss for the truth are, by a most heavenly attraction, drawn as into their proper element; THE King of whom Jesus is, fetching them in and ruling them by His captivating power over their hearts.
38. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?—that is, "Thou stirrest the question of questions, which the thoughtful of every age have asked, but never man yet answered."
And when he had said this—as if, by putting such a question, he was getting into interminable and unseasonable inquiries, when this business demanded rather prompt action.
he went out again unto the Jews—thus missing a noble opportunity for himself, and giving utterance to that consciousness of the want of all intellectual and moral certainty, which was the feeling of every thoughtful mind at that time. "The only certainty," says the elder Pliny, "is that nothing is certain, nor more miserable than man, nor more proud. The fearful laxity of morals at that time must doubtless be traced in a great degree to this skepticism. The revelation of the eternal truth alone was able to breathe new life into ruined human nature, and that in the apprehension of complete redemption" [Olshausen].
and saith unto them—in the hearing of our Lord, who had been brought forth.
I find in him no fault—no crime. This so exasperated "the chief priests and elders" that, afraid of losing their prey, they poured forth a volley of charges against Him, as appears from Lu 23:4, 5: on Pilate's affirming His innocence, "they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place." They see no hope of getting Pilate's sanction to His death unless they can fasten upon Him a charge of conspiracy against the government; and as Galilee was noted for its turbulence (Lu 13:1; Ac 5:37), and our Lord's ministry lay chiefly there, they artfully introduce it to give color to their charge. "And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing (Mr 15:3). Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee? And He answered him to never a word, insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly" (Mt 27:13, 14). See on Mr 15:3-5. In his perplexity, Pilate, hearing of Galilee, bethinks himself of the expedient of sending Him to Herod, in the hope of thereby further shaking off responsibility in the case. See Mr 15:6, and see on Lu 23:6-12. The return of the prisoner only deepened the perplexity of Pilate, who, "calling together the chief priests, rulers, and people," tells them plainly that not one of their charges against "this man" had been made good, while even Herod, to whose jurisdiction he more naturally belonged, had done nothing to Him: He "will therefore chastise and release him" (Lu 23:13-16).
39. But ye have a custom that I should release one unto you at the passover, &c.—See on Mr 15:7-11. "On the typical import of the choice of Christ to suffer, by which Barabbas was set free, see the sixteenth chapter of Leviticus, particularly Le 16:5-10, where the subject is the sin offering on the great day of atonement" [Krafft in Luthardt].