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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 18:2 mean?

Explanation

John 18:2 speaks of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus Christ's disciples, who is infamous for betraying Jesus to the authorities leading to His arrest.

The 'place' referred to here is the Garden of Gethsemane, a location on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem where Jesus frequently spent time with His disciples.

This knowledge of Jesus’s habits indicates that Judas was exploiting his intimate knowledge of Jesus's routines to facilitate the betrayal.

The verse underlines Judas's familiarity with Jesus's patterns and the trust that Jesus had formerly placed in him, only to be used against Him in an act of treachery.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The Gospel of John is one of the four canonical Gospels in the Christian Bible and provides a distinct perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus.

It is believed to have been written between 90-100 AD.

The Garden of Gethsemane is historically significant as the location where Jesus prayed and faced great anguish on the night before His crucifixion.

This setting is critical to the narrative of the Passion of Christ, a series of events that culminate in His crucifixion.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse points to the foreknowledge of Jesus regarding His betrayal and ultimate purpose.

While Judas's betrayal is a human act of free will, it also fulfills divine prophesy.

From a Christian perspective, Judas's actions, while tragic, are part of the divine plan for salvation. Different theological viewpoints might consider the implications of predestination versus free will, as well as the nature of sin and redemption illustrated through Judas's betrayal.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about trusting those with ulterior motives and the potential for betrayal by close acquaintances.

It can also inspire individuals to reflect on the concept of forgiveness, considering that Jesus knew of Judas's impending betrayal yet continued his mission of love and redemption.

Cross-References

Matthew 26:47-50: And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Luke 22:48: But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
John 13:18: I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

Language Study

The key words to note in the original language of John 18:2 include:

"Betrayed" (παραδίδωμι, paradidōmi): In Greek, this implies a handing over or delivery, particularly in a treacherous sense.
"Knew" (εἰδω, eidō): This denotes intimate knowledge or familiarity, implying Judas's close relationship with Jesus.
"Resorted" (συνήχθη, synēchthē): This word suggests a gathering or a frequent coming together, indicating that the place was a regular meeting spot for Jesus and His disciples.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this narrative to other cultural and religious stories, one might find similarities with tales of betrayal in various mythologies, such as the betrayal of Osiris by his brother Set in Egyptian mythology.

However, the uniqueness of the Christian narrative lies in its theological implication of God's son being betrayed and the role this act plays in the overarching story of redemption.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions might center on the psychological aspects of betrayal and trust, exploring how close relationships can lead to situations where an individual is more vulnerable to deceit.

Additionally, the actions of Judas could be subject to analysis within the field of forensic psychology to understand the motivations and mindset behind such a betrayal.

commentaries

Commentators offer a range of perspectives on John 18:2:

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights the darkness of Judas's heart in using his intimate knowledge against Jesus.
The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) discusses the significance of the setting in the Garden of Gethsemane as a place of prayer and Jesus's arrest.
The Pillar New Testament Commentary delves into the dramatic irony where Judas's actions serve to unwittingly facilitate God's redemptive plan, emphasizing the sovereignty of God even in human betrayal.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:2 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 18:2 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?