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.
Chapter 18 of the Book of John in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a pivotal chapter that outlines the arrest, trial, and denial of Jesus Christ. This chapter is filled with profound events, teachings, and symbolism that have been significant in Christian theology and doctrine. The chapter's overarching themes include betrayal, truth, power, and the manifestation of God's divine plan.
The chapter begins with Jesus and His disciples crossing over the Kidron Valley to an olive grove, known as the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus often went with His disciples. Judas Iscariot, who had already agreed to betray Jesus, knew this place. Armed with torches, weapons, and a cohort of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees, he led them there. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Whom seek ye?” They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth”. Jesus affirmed, “I am he.” At His words, they drew back and fell to the ground. This event signifies the divine power and authority of Jesus, even in the face of arrest and impending death.
The narrative continues with Peter's denial of Jesus. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, had earlier professed his unwavering loyalty to Jesus. However, when confronted, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction. This event reveals human frailty and the struggle between fear and faith. It also highlights the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, as He later reinstates Peter despite his denial.
Jesus was first brought before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people. Jesus was questioned about His disciples and His teaching. He responded that He had spoken openly to the world and always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. He said nothing in secret. When one of the officials struck Jesus, He questioned if He had spoken wrongly, why was He struck? But if He spoke the truth, why did they strike Him?
Jesus was then sent to Caiaphas and later to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate questioned Jesus about the accusations laid against Him and asked Him if He was a king. Jesus responded, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate famously replied, “What is truth?” This interaction between Jesus and Pilate raises profound questions about truth, power, and authority.
Chapter 18 of the Book of John presents several key themes and lessons. The arrest of Jesus, despite His divine power and authority, underscores His submission to God's will. Jesus' interactions with the religious and political authorities reveal His unwavering commitment to the truth, regardless of the cost. His trial and subsequent condemnation underscore the corruption and moral bankruptcy of those in power.
Peter's denial of Jesus and later reinstatement is a powerful testament to Jesus' forgiveness and grace. It serves as a reminder that despite our failings, we can be restored through repentance and faith. This event also underscores the tension between fear and faith, highlighting our human frailty and the need for divine grace.
Finally, Pilate's question, “What is truth?”, still resonates today. In a world filled with relative truths and 'alternative facts', Jesus' commitment to the truth serves as a challenge and invitation to seek and uphold the truth, regardless of the cost.
In conclusion, Chapter 18 of the Book of John is a profound narrative filled with rich symbolism and deep theological implications. It presents a vivid account of the arrest, trial, and denial of Jesus, providing valuable insights into His character and mission. It also raises profound questions about truth, power, and authority, challenging us to examine our own beliefs and actions in light of these timeless truths.
Share this page