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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 18:20 mean?

Explanation

John 18:20 is part of the narrative of Jesus' arrest and his subsequent questioning by the high priest, in the gospel according to John.

In this verse, Jesus responds to the high priest regarding his teaching methods.

Jesus articulates that his teaching was done openly to the world, in public spaces like synagogues and the temple where Jews commonly gathered.

He emphasizes that he did not teach in secret but spoke publicly, suggesting that his message was transparent and accessible to everyone, and implying that nothing he said was contradictory to what he had preached in public.

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Historical Context

John 18:20 must be understood within the context of first-century Judea under Roman occupation.

Synagogues were central to Jewish life, serving as places for prayer, study, and community gatherings.

The temple in Jerusalem was the holiest site in Judaism, where sacrifices were made and festivals celebrated.

During Jesus' time, there were tensions between Jewish religious authorities and those who challenged their interpretations of the law, including Jesus.

The verse occurs at a time of heightened tension just before the Passover festival, a time when Jerusalem would be crowded with pilgrims, and Roman authorities were on high alert for any disruptions to public order.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse communicates several ideas:

Transparency of Jesus' teachings: He taught openly, implying a contrast with sects or individuals who might have secret teachings or mystery rites.
Authority challenge: By stating that he taught in the temple, Jesus is affirming his right to interpret and teach Jewish law, which could be seen as a challenge to the religious authorities.
Fulfillment of prophecy: Jesus' public teaching aligns with the understanding that the Messiah would spread knowledge of God to the nations openly.

Different Christian denominations may emphasize various aspects of this statement according to their theological viewpoints.

Some may focus on the public nature of Jesus' ministry, while others might emphasize the accountability and integrity this verse suggests about Jesus' character.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse can be broad, including:

Importance of transparency: Just as Jesus spoke openly, individuals might strive to be open and honest in their communications.
Courage in faith: Jesus' willingness to teach in the temple, despite challenges, can inspire individuals to be courageous in expressing and living out their faith.
Integrity in teaching: For educators and spiritual leaders, the verse serves as a reminder to teach with integrity and make knowledge accessible to all.

Cross-References

Luke 4:16-21: Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Nazareth.
Matthew 26:55: Jesus stating that he sat teaching in the temple.
Mark 14:49: A similar statement about teaching daily in the temple.

Language Study

Analyzing the key words in the original Greek language:

"openly" (παρρησίᾳ, parrēsia): With frankness, boldness, confidence.
"ever taught" (ἐδίδαξα, edidaxa): I have taught, conveying a continuous action.
"synagogue" (συναγωγή, synagōgē): Place of assembly, specifically for Jewish worship and teaching.
"temple" (ἱερόν, hieron): The sacred temple in Jerusalem.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient religions had elements of esoteric knowledge or mystery religions where teachings were not public. For example, the mystery religions of ancient Greece involved initiations into secret rites.

In contrast, Jesus' emphasis on public teaching reflects a different approach to religious knowledge, where access is open rather than restricted.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse intersects with modern understandings of group dynamics and communication. Social scientists might explore the effects of transparent versus secretive communication within religious movements and how this impacts group cohesion, authority, and the spread of ideas.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars offer varied interpretations of John 18:20:

Some commentaries highlight that Jesus' response is a refutation of any accusation that he was leading a secret revolt, emphasizing that his ministry was not a political uprising but a public proclamation of truth.
Others might see this as a testament to Jesus' fearlessness and integrity as a teacher, offering his teachings openly despite knowing the risks.
Some scholars discuss the legalistic aspect of Jesus' response, possibly indicating that since He taught openly, there should be witnesses who could testify to what He said, rather than relying on secret testimony obtained through legally dubious means.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:20 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 18:20 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?