JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:1 These chapters tell of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas (John 18:1), his informal hearing before Annas (John 18:12), his Roman trial before Pilate (John 18:28), and his crucifixion and burial (John 19:16). Only John reports Jesus’ appearance before Annas, and the Roman trial is covere... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:3 The BAND OF SOLDIERS was sent to prevent a riot during the festival. The OFFICERS FROM THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE PHARISEES (that is, the temple police) were the primary arresting officers. LANTERNS and TORCHES were needed to track down a suspect thought to be hiding in the dar... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:5 Jesus’ self-identification, I AM HE, implies his deity (see note on 6:35). This is also suggested by the soldiers’ reaction in the following verse. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:6 Falling to the ground is a common and natural reaction to divine revelation (Ezekiel 44:4; Acts 9:4; Revelation 1:17). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:8 Jesus is the good shepherd who voluntarily chooses death to save his “sheep” (John 6:39; John 10:28; John 17:12; John 10:11, John 10:15, John 10:17). ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:10 Peter’s SWORD was likely the Roman short sword that could be hidden under a garment (compare Luke 22:38). Peter probably intended to kill the soldier with a lethal blow to the head, but the servant only lost an EAR. Luke adds that Jesus immediately healed the ear (Luke 22:51)... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:11 DRINK THE CUP is a metaphor for death and symbolizes God’s wrath (see Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 51:17, Isaiah 51:22; Jeremiah 25:15; also Revelation 14:10; Revelation 16:19). Note that the Father gives Jesus the [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:13 Under the Romans, three wealthy families controlled the important position of high priest. ANNAS was the patriarch of one of these families (see Acts 4:6). He served as high priest A.D. 6–15. The position was then held by five of his sons, including his son-in-law CAIAPHAS. E... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:14 CAIAPHAS. See John 11:49. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:15 The OTHER DISCIPLE is probably John himself, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (compare John 20:2; John 21:24; see also John 13:23). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:19 The HIGH PRIEST is Annas (see note on v. 13). Questioning JESUS ABOUT HIS DISCIPLES AND HIS TEACHING suggests that the primary concern is theological, though political charges are later made as well (see John 19:7, John 19:12). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:20 NOTHING IN SECRET. Jesus’ reply echoed God’s words in the book of Isaiah 1:1 (Isaiah 45:19; Isaiah 48:16). Jesus’ point was that his message was the same in private as in public. He was not guilty of conspiracy. John records instances of Jesus’ teaching both IN SYNAGOGUES (Jo... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:22 STRUCK. Likely a sharp slap (compare Matthew 26:67; Acts 23:1). The rebuke may echo Exodus 22:28 (quoted by Paul in Acts 23:5). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:24 Before Jesus can be brought to the Roman governor, charges must be confirmed by the high priest, CAIAPHAS, who presided over the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas was high priest for nearly 18 years (c. A.D. 18–36). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, le... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:26 THE MAN WHOSE EAR PETER HAD CUT OFF. Malchus. See note on v. 10. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:27 ROOSTER CROWED. Compare John 13:38. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:28 The GOVERNOR’S HEADQUARTERS has long been identified with the Antonia Fortress on the northwest corner of the Temple Mount. This large fortress allowed immediate access to the temple to stop any disturbance. However, many scholars believe that the Palace of Herod the Great wo... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:29 PILATE was appointed by the emperor Tiberius and served as governor of Judea A.D. 26–36 (see note on Luke 23:1). Pilate WENT OUTSIDE, respecting the religious sensitivities of the Jews (see note on John 18:28). This leads to a dramatic situation as Pilate repeatedly goes outs... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:31 PILATE is not interested in judging internal Jewish disputes (compare Acts 18:14). IT IS NOT LAWFUL FOR US TO PUT ANYONE TO DEATH. The Romans had taken away the Sanhedrin’s right to impose capital punishment. Known exceptions are probably either mob actions (Stephen’s death i... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:32 BY WHAT KIND OF DEATH HE WAS GOING TO DIE. Compare John 12:33; John 21:19. The Jews thought crucifixion was horrible. If the Sanhedrin had put Jesus to death, he would have been stoned for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16; compare John 10:33; Acts 7:57).... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:33 KING OF THE JEWS. Pilate’s question aims to determine whether Jesus is a threat to Rome’s power. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:36 Jesus’ description of the nature of his KINGDOM echoes similar passages in Daniel 1:1 (e.g., Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:14, Daniel 7:27). See also John 6:15. ⇐ ⇔ [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:37 Jesus as THE TRUTH fulfills the teaching of the OT (John 1:17) and reveals the true God (see John 1:14, John 1:17; John 5:33; John 14:6; also John 8:40, John 8:45;... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:38 WHAT IS TRUTH? Pilate apparently decides that Jesus is a teacher of abstract philosophy and poses no threat to the Roman government. He seeks no answer from the only one who could give him the answer. I FIND NO GUILT IN HIM. Pilate states three time his belief that Jesus is i... [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:39 As in v. John 18:28 (see note), AT THE PASSOVER refers to the entire seven-day festival. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
JOHN—NOTE ON JOHN 18:40 BARABBAS means “son of the father.” Ironically, the people wanted Barabbas released rather than the true Son of the Father, Jesus. ROBBER. Barabbas had committed many crimes, including robbery, insurrection, and murder (see Matthew 27:16; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]