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John 18

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.

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

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.

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?

Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

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.

Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.

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?

Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

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.

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?

Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.

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.

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

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:

That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?

Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?

Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?

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.

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.

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.

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?

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

What does John 18:10 mean?

Explanation

John 18:10 recounts a short but violent episode immediately preceding the arrest of Jesus Christ.

Simon Peter, one of Jesus' most impulsive disciples, reacts to the threat of Jesus being captured by resorting to violence.

He draws a sword and strikes the high priest's servant, named Malchus, severing his ear.

This event is significant for several reasons: it demonstrates Peter's fervent, yet misguided, loyalty to Jesus; it showcases the first physical act of violence in the narrative of Jesus' passion; and it sets the stage for Jesus to teach about non-violence, as he rebukes Peter for the use of the sword in the accounts of Matthew and Luke.

Moreover, this event emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' earlier predictions about his suffering and the scattering of his disciples.

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Historical Context

This incident occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane following the Last Supper.

Jesus had just been betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who led a contingent of Roman soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Him.

Swords were common personal weapons in the Roman Empire at the time, and it was not unusual for individuals to carry them for self-protection.

The high priest mentioned here would have been Caiaphas, who presided over the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.

The servants would likely be temple guards acting under the authority of the high priest.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted in various ways.

One perspective is that Peter's act of violence represents a failure to understand Jesus' mission of peace and his foretold destiny to suffer and die.

Jesus' response to heal Malchus (as recounted in Luke 22:51) reflects his messianic role as a healer and his commitment to non-violence.

Another interpretation sees Peter's impulsiveness as emblematic of the fight-or-flight response common to humanity when faced with danger, highlighting human weakness.

Additionally, this event signifies the abandonment of Jesus by His disciples, a fulfillment of Zechariah 13:7, where God strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter.

Practical Applications

The lesson from John 18:10 can be applied to modern life in several ways.

It serves as a caution against acting impulsively or resorting to violence in defense of one's beliefs.

Instead, it encourages individuals to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts and to trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity.

It also challenges believers to reflect on their understanding and response to divine guidance, especially in moments of crisis.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:51-52 - "And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

Luke 22:49-51 - "When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far.

And he touched his ear, and healed him."

Zechariah 13:7 - "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."

Language Study

The original Greek text provides additional nuance to the account.

The word "sword" (μάχαιραν, machairan) suggests a small sword or large knife used for fighting, while "drew" (εἵλκυσεν, heilkysen) implies pulling the weapon out with intent to use.

"Smote" (ἔπαισεν, epaisen) indicates a strike, reflecting deliberate action.

"High priest's servant" is translated from σύνδουλος (syndoulos), denoting a fellow servitor or slave in the high priest's service rather than a free man.

The name "Malchus" is Semitic, possibly derived from the Hebrew melech, meaning "king" or "counselor", adding a certain irony since he was a servant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the act of cutting off an ear had symbolic significance, often as a punishment for slaves or criminals.

In the Jewish tradition, the ear is symbolically associated with obedience and servitude to God, as seen in the ceremony for a servant who chooses to remain with his master (Exodus 21:6).

In the context of John 18:10, Peter's act of violence against the ear could be understood as disrupting the servant's ability to hear and thus obey God, while also highlighting Jesus' contrasting message of peace.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of trauma to the ear, such as being cut off, would normally result in permanent hearing loss and disfigurement, barring modern surgical intervention.

The healing of Malchus's ear by Jesus, as described in Luke's account, would be seen as a miraculous event that defies natural explanation from a medical viewpoint.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse interpretations of John 18:10.

Some suggest that Peter was vainly attempting to protect Jesus, not understanding that His arrest was a necessary part of the divine plan for salvation.

Others argue that Peter's actions, while misdirected, showed his deep loyalty and willingness to fight for his master.

In either case, commentators usually agree that Peter's impulsiveness stands in stark contrast to Jesus' subsequent nonviolent response and pacifist teachings.

This event is also seen by some as further evidence of Peter's flawed humanity, which is later redeemed after Jesus' resurrection and Peter's own journey to becoming a foundational leader of the early Christian Church.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 18:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?