Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:
BETRAYAL, ARREST, AND UNJUST COURTS

[“For This I Was Born”]
Key Word; Testimony

John 18:1-5 – “Who Are You Looking for?”

JN18:1 Having said these things, Jesus left together with his disciples to the other side of the winter torrent 937 of the Cedars, 938 where there was a garden. 939 He entered into the garden with his disciples.

937	Winter torrent: A dry ravine that runs only in winter or early spring.

938	Of the Cedars: Or, brook Kidron, Kidron valley, the Ravine of Cedars. [2 Kings 15:23]

939

A garden: Compare Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32 where it is called Gethsemane. The name means “Oil Press” and was likely near the Mount of Olives. Josephus reports the trees were all destroyed during the great oppression upon Jerusalem in 70 AD. all the trees around Jerusalem were cut down during the Roman siege in 70 C.E. (The Jewish War, VI, 5-8 [i, 1])

JN18:2 But his betrayer Judas also knew about the place because Jesus gathered there often with his disciples. JN18:3 So, having taken a squad of troops, 940 as well as some [Jewish] officials 941 from among the chief priests 942 and the Pharisees, Judas arrived there with torches, lamps 943 and weapons.

940	A squad of troops: Or, a band, party of soldiers, Temple police.

941	[Jewish] officials: Or, officers, attendants.

942

Chief priests: The Greek is ARCHIEREON from which the English “hierarchy” is derived. HIERON is the word for a temple area, or compound surrounding a shrine. Probably Levitical priests, assistants to the high priest. All of these who came with Judas were Jews, so the Jewish responsibility cannot be ignored or shifted to the Romans.

943	Torches, lamps: Likely the full moon is still up and the spring night is cold. No doubt Jesus could see the column work its way up the hillside toward the garden.

JN18:4 Jesus, realizing all the things coming upon him, came out and said to them: “Whom are you people seeking?” JN18:5 They answered: “Jesus the Nazarene.” 944 Jesus told them: “I am he.” 945 Now his betrayer Judas had been stand beside him with the others.

944	Jesus the Nazarene: Jesus or Joshua was a common name. This Jesus was to be called “a Nazarene” according to the prophets. [Matthew 2:23]

945	I am he: See notes elsewhere on this common phrase used by others.

John 18:6-9 – “I Have Lost None”

JN18:6 As soon as Jesus had said to them, ‘I am he,’ they recoiled and fell backward to the ground. 946

946	They recoiled and fell backward to the ground: They had come expecting trouble and resistance. Jesus’ courage knocks them to the ground in a reflex to their own fear.

JN18:7 So again Jesus inquired of them: “Whom are you people seeking?” Again, these said: “Jesus the Nazarene.” JN18:8 Jesus responded: “I told all of you that I am he. If, then, you people are seeking me, let these others go and release them.” 947

947	Let these others go and release them: Or, let these escape. Jesus is thinking of others at the height of his own danger.

JN18:9 So that the word might be fulfilled which he said: “I have not lost one of those whom You gave me.” 948

948	I have not lost one of those whom You gave me: Compare John 6:39; 10:28; 17:12.

John 18:10-11 – Peter Strikes Malchus

JN18:10 So then Simon Peter drew his sword 949 and he struck the slave of the chief priest and cut off his right ear. 950 The name of the slave was Malchus. 951

949

Peter drew his sword: This was likely a short sword carried by those who could afford them. Such knives were used by fishermen, and carried by others as protection against animals and robbers. Only John reveals who this was, Peter. This may be indirect proof the other three Gospels were written before 66 AD while Peter was alive and in order to protect him, his name is missing. [Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50]

950	Cut off his right ear: Luke also mentions this ear. [Luke 22:50]

951	The name of the slave was Malchus: It is possible this person later became a Christian disciple and for this reason his name is mentioned.

JN18:11 Therefore, Jesus said to Peter: “Return your sword to its sheath! 952 Should I not drink the cup 953 that the Father has given to me?”

952	Return your sword to its sheath: We note the healing of the ear is not mentioned. Matthew adds, “… for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” [Matthew 26:52; Luke 22:51]

953	Drink the cup: Compare Matthew 20:22; 26:42.

John 18:12-14 – First to Priest Annas

JN18:12 Then the squad of troops and the military commander, 954 as well as those officials of the Jews, took Jesus and bound him.

954	Military commander: Or, captain, chiliarch. The commander of 1,000 soldiers.

JN18:13 First, they led Jesus off to Annas. 955 He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas 956 who was high priest that year.

955

Annas: Such was actually high priest when Jesus was 12 at the Temple. Compare also Matthew 26:3; Luke 3:2. He was involved in the early persecution of the Christians. [Acts 4:6] The family of Annas had the temple concession in the sale of animals for sacrifice, so he was particularly affected by Christ’s two cleansings of the moneychangers.

956	Caiaphas: He was the Jewish high priest during Christ’s ministry. [Luke 3:2] Compare also Acts 5:17.

JN18:14 Now, Caiaphas is the person who counseled the Jews that it was for their benefit that one person should die in behalf of the people 957 [of Israel].

957	For their benefit that one person should die in behalf of the people: See John 11:50.

John 18:15-18 – Peter’s First Denial

JN18:15 Now Simon Peter and another disciple 958 were following Jesus. But this disciple was known to the chief priest and he was permitted to go in with Jesus into the courtyard of the chief priest.

958	Another disciple: The apostle John.

JN18:16 But, Peter remained standing outside at the entrance. So, the other disciple known by the chief priest went out and asked the girl guarding the entrance 959 to let Peter in.

959	The girl guarding the entrance: The Greek is THYRORO, “portress.”

JN18:17 Thus, the servant girl of the portal asked Peter: “Are you not also from the disciples of this man?” Peter answered: “I am not.” JN18:18 Now, the slaves and [Jewish] officials standing around had made a charcoal fire and were warming themselves because it was cold. 960 Peter was also standing with them warming himself.

960	Warming themselves because it was cold: We see their breath in the night cold and their faces dimly lit by the brazier. Such are small and those gathered must be huddled close around the coals.

John 18:19-24 – “Question Those Who Heard Me”

JN18:19 Now, the chief priest [Annas] questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 961

961	About his disciples and about his teaching: We would love to know these questions and the answers Jesus gave.

JN18:20 Jesus answered him: “I have spoken publicly 962 to the world of humankind. I always taught in a synagogue 963 and in the Temple area, 964 where all the Jews gather together. I spoke nothing in a secret place. 965

962	Spoken publicly: Or, spoke openly, outspokenly.

963	Synagogue: Compare Luke 4:15.

964	Temple area: Compare Matthew 26:55; Luke 19:47; John 7:14.

965	A secret place: Governments distaste secret meetings.

JN18:21 Why are you questioning me? Question those who heard what I spoke to them. Look! These are aware of what I said.” JN18:22 After Jesus said these things, one of the [Jewish] officials standing by gave Jesus a slap, 966 and then said: “Is this the way you answer the chief priest?”

966	Gave Jesus a slap: Note Paul’s similar treatment. [Acts 23:2]

JN18:23 Jesus answered him: “If I spoke in error, testify about the error. But, if I spoke well, why do you strike me?” JN18:24 As a result Anna sent Jesus in bonds off to Caiaphas the high priest.

John 18:25-27 – Two More Denials

JN18:25 Now Simon Peter stood warming himself. So then, they said to him: “Are you not also from among his disciples?” Peter denied it and said, “I am not!” JN18:26 Also, one of the slaves of the chief priest [Annas] was a relative of the person whom Peter had cut off the ear, asked Peter: “Did I not see you with him in the garden?” JN18:27 Once again Peter denied it. And instantly a cock crowed. 967

967	Instantly a cock crowed: Compare Matthew 26:74. Mark 14:72 adds, ‘a second time.’ [Luke 22:60; John 13:38.

John 18:28-32 – From Caiaphas to Pilate

JN18:28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. 968 It was early in the morning when they entered the Praetorium so they should not get defiled but might eat the Passover. 969

968	Into the Praetorium: Or, hall of judgment, government house, governor’s headquarters.

969

So they should not get defiled but might eat the Passover: The hypocrites! During Jesus’ ministry Jews were divided on when the Passover should be celebrated. Some celebrated it the previous evening, as did Jesus. Others did so the coming evening. [Acts 10:20] Professors Keil and Delitzsch explain the difficulty: “Different opinions have prevailed among the Jews from a very early date as to the precise time intended. Aben Ezra agrees with the Caraites and Samaritans in taking the first evening to be the time when the sun sinks below the horizon, and the second the time of total darkness; in which case, ‘between the two evenings’ would be from 6 o’clock to 7.20…. According to the rabbinical idea, the time when the sun began to descend, viz. from 3 to 5 o’clock, was the first evening, and sunset the second; so that ‘between the two evenings’ was from 3 to 6 o’clock. Modern expositors have very properly decided in favour of the view held by Aben Ezra and the custom adopted by the Caraites and Samaritans.” [Commentary on the Old Testament, 1973, Vol. I, The Second Book of Moses, p. 12]

JN18:29 Next, Pilate 970 came out toward them and asked: “What is the charge you [Jews] are bringing 971 against this man?”

970

Pilate: The Roman governor of Judea ruled between 26-36 AD and was unknown to history until proof of his existence was uncovered in the mid 1960s. However, Josephus mentions him. [Jewish Antiquities, XVIII, 55-59 (iii, 1)] As does Philo, the Jewish philosopher of the 1st Century. [The Embassy to Gaius, XXXVIII, 299-305]

971	What is the charge you [Jews] are bringing: John makes it clear who is responsible.

JN18:30 They answered and said to him: “If this person was not guilty 972 we certainly would not have turned him in!”

972	If this person was not guilty: These Jewish officials try the tyranny of authority on Pilate. They have no charge they will make in open court.

JN18:31 So Pilate said to them: “You [Jews] take him and judge him according to your Law.” The Jews said to Pilate: “It is not lawful for us to kill anyone.” 973

973	It is not lawful for us to kill anyone: The Romans did not permit the Jews to execute by their method, stoning.

JN18:32 This statement was made in order to signify what kind of death 974 Jesus about to die.

974

To signify what kind of death: The Jews stoned to death, but the Romans impaled on a stake or cross. Paul writes that the Law suggested Messiah would die on a tree. [Galatians 3:13] The prophets also foretold Jesus would be pierced in hands and feet. [Psalm 22:16 LXX; Isaiah 53:5; Zechariah 12:10] Only the Roman method of execution would fulfill these prophetic parameters.

John 18:33-37 – “My Kingdom Is Not Worldly”

JN18:33 So Pilate entered again into the Praetorium and called for Jesus. He said to Jesus: “Are you the king of the Jews?” 975

975	Are you the king of the Jews: Pilate must have received this charge from his Jewish accusers. This would have suggested sedition against the Roman government. [Matthew 27:11] Or, from the news regarding the crowd days earlier. [John 12:13]

JN18:34 Jesus answered: “Are you saying this from yourself? Or, did others tell you about me?” JN18:35 Pilate answered: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation 976 [of Israel] and the [Jewish] chief priests handed you over to me. What did you do?”

976	Your own nation: Even Pilate knows who is behind this attempt to have Jesus executed.

JN18:36 Jesus answered: “My realm does not originate from this world 977 of humankind. If my realm did originate from this world of humankind, then my subjects would have put up a struggle 978 so that I should not be handed over to the Jews. However, my realm is not from here.”

977

My realm does not originate from this world: Or, KJV: my kingdom is not of this world. The Son’s kingdom [realm, or domain] is the Church. [Matthew 13:4-42; Ephesians 1:19-21] Though he is called a king by others, he is not actually installed as such until his ascension to heaven. [Daniel 7:13; Psalm 2:6, 7]

978

My subjects would have put up a struggle: Or, my servants, attendants; fight. Jesus had seen to it that they had two swords among them to demonstrate they could have resisted. Peter has already shown that he could strike a blow. The word “struggle” is from the Greek EGONIZONTO from which “agony” is derived.

JN18:37 So Pilate said to Jesus: “Are you a king, then?” Jesus answered: “You are saying that I am a king. 979 For this I have been born and for this I have come into the world of humankind, so that I should testify about the Truth. 980 Every person who originates from the Truth listens to my voice.”

979

You are saying that I am a king: Or, NEB: ‘king’ is your word; NOR: I am, as you say, a king. Compare Matthew 26:64; 27:11. In the other three gospels Jesus answers in a Hebrew idiom to the Jewish clerics that he is the “Son of Humankind” of Daniel 7:13, and that they will live to see its fulfillment. [Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:70] These same priests live to hear Stephen’s testimony. [Acts 7:54-56]

980	Testify about the Truth: This “truth” largely involved the Kingdom. [Matthew 4:17, 23]

John 18:38-40 – “I Find No Fault in Him”

JN18:38 Pilate asked Jesus: “What is Truth?” 981 And after having said this again, Pilate went out again before the Jews, “I cannot discover any cause in him.” 982

981	What is Truth: Perhaps spoken with a degree of cynicism and frustration. The question has been repeated untold numbers of times by those who do not know “truth.” The Nazarene’s position was stated in his earlier prayer. [John 17:17]

982	I cannot discover any cause in him: Or, no fault, no crime, no grounds.

JN18:39 “However, you [Jews] have a custom 983 so that I should release to you someone during the Passover. So, should I release to you the king of the Jews?”

983	You [Jews] have a custom: If enough honest voices had spoken up the Jews as a generation would not have the curse that came to rest upon them.

JN18:40 But [the Jews] cried out again, saying, “Not this person, but rather Barabbas!” 984 Now this Barabbas was a robber.

984	Barabbas: Compare Matthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:16-25; Acts 3:14.

Review Questions on Chapter Eighteen