John 18
1When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples.
2And Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
3Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
4Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them,
Whom seek you?
5They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said unto them,
I am he.
And Judas also, who betrayed him, stood with them.
6As soon then as he had said unto them,
I am he,
they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7Then asked he them again,
Whom seek you?
And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8Jesus answered,
I have told you that I am he: if therefore you seek me, let these go their way:
9That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spoke,
Of them which you gave me have I lost none.
10Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11Then said Jesus unto Peter,
Put up your sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?
12Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
13And led him away to Annas first; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that same year.
14Now Caiaphas was he, who gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
15And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest.
16But Peter stood at the door outside. Then went out that other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, and spoke unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17Then said the girl that kept the door unto Peter, Are not you also one of this man's disciples? He said, I am not.
18And 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.
19The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
20Jesus answered him,
I spoke openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always met; and in secret have I said nothing.
21Why do you ask me? Ask them who heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
22And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answer you the high priest so?
23Jesus answered him,
If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why strike me?
24Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Are not you also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26One of the servants of the high priest, being the kinsman of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, Did not I see you in the garden with him?
27Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crowed.
28Then 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.
29Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring you against this man?
30They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto you.
31Then said Pilate unto them, Take 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:
32That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying what death he should die.
33Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Are you the King of the Jews?
34Jesus answered him,
Say you this thing of yourself, or did others tell it to you of me?
35Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you unto me: what have you done?
36Jesus 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 here.
37Pilate therefore said unto him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered,
You say 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 hears my voice.
38Pilate said unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and said unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
39But you have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will you therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?
40Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Commentaries for John 18:0