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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 18:21 mean?

Explanation

John 18:21 captures Jesus' response to the high priest during His trial before the Jewish leaders after His arrest.

In context, the high priest was questioning Jesus about His disciples and His teachings.

Jesus' response here points out that He had spoken openly to the world and had always taught in synagogues and the temple.

The verse suggests that Jesus had nothing to hide since He had consistently spoken openly.

When He asks "Why askest thou me?," Jesus is possibly challenging the validity of the trial process, implying that His teachings were public knowledge and that there were plenty of witnesses who could confirm what He had said.

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Historical Context

This verse occurs towards the end of the Gospel of John, during the Passion narrative which describes the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

The trial took place after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane and was conducted by Jewish religious authorities, specifically the Sanhedrin, which was the ruling council of the Jews.

It should be noted that this trial was held at night, which was contrary to Jewish legal principles that required trials to be held in the daytime and to be public.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might interpret this verse as follows:

A traditional Christian viewpoint may see Jesus' response as demonstrating His transparency and integrity.

It could be perceived as a fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would be without deceit.

A Christological interpretation might focus on Jesus as the embodiment of truth, pointing out that truth needs no defense, as it is self-evident to those who have witnessed it.
Liberation theology might emphasize the power dynamics at play, with Jesus calmly asserting His moral and spiritual authority over the religious powers that are trying to control the narrative.

Practical Applications

This verse implores believers to seek truth through transparency and openness.

In practical terms, it encourages individuals to live in such a way that their actions and words align, and that they can confidently stand by what they have said and done since it is the truth.

This can be applied to honesty in relationships, integrity in business practices, and authenticity in personal conduct.

Cross-References

John 8:32 - "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Matthew 26:55 - "In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me."
Luke 22:53 - "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

"Askest" (ερωτάω, erōtaō): to question or interrogate.
"Heard" (ἀκουσάντων, akousantōn): those who have listened or paid attention.
"Behold" (ἴδε, ide): used here as a demonstrative to emphasize the statement.

The language reinforces the idea that there were many witnesses to Jesus' words and teachings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this response to other cultural and religious contexts, one might consider the traditions of other religious leaders or philosophers who emphasized public discourse as a means of teaching.

In ancient Greek philosophy, for example, Socrates was known for his public discussions and the Socratic method, which is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue.

Scientific Perspectives

While there isn't a direct scientific perspective on this verse, it touches on principles that are valued in scientific inquiry such as transparency and reproducibility.

In science, it is important for experiments and findings to be open to scrutiny and able to be witnessed and replicated by others.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse often note the stark contrast between the open manner in which Jesus taught and the secretive, night-time trial He was subjected to. They also tend to highlight Jesus' refusal to entertain an illegitimate process.

Some suggest that Jesus' question is a form of rhetorical critique of the proceedings. Generally, there is consensus that this interaction between Jesus and the high priest reflects themes of light versus darkness and truth versus falsehood as recorded by the apostle John.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:21 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 18:21 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?