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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 18:24 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 18:24, "Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest," refers to the point in the New Testament narrative when Jesus is taken to the high priest Caiaphas following his arrest and initial questioning by Annas.

The phrase "had sent him bound" indicates that Jesus was tied up, a common practice for prisoners at the time, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

This verse focuses on the transfer of Jesus from one authority to another, signifying a step forward in the legal and religious proceedings leading to his crucifixion.

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Historical Context

John 18:24 occurs during the events of the Passion Week, specifically following the Last Supper and the betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

Annas was a former high priest and the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the current high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry.

Being sent to Caiaphas meant that Jesus faced formal charges and a trial because the high priest held significant religious authority and was influential in legal matters concerning the Jewish community under Roman rule.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse illustrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah suffering at the hands of religious leaders.

It also demonstrates how Jesus submitted himself to earthly authorities, fulfilling his role in God's redemptive plan.

Some Christian perspectives see this moment as a prelude to the vicarious sacrifice that Jesus would make, while others view it as a miscarriage of justice by the religious establishment.

Practical Applications

This verse underscores values such as the fulfillment of one's destiny despite adversity and the importance of facing trials with dignity and integrity.

Practically, it can inspire individuals to endure hardships with the knowledge that there is a greater purpose to their suffering.

It also serves as a reminder of the injustice in the world and the need for fair and honest legal proceedings.

Cross-References

John 18:13 - "And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year."
Matthew 26:57 - "And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled."
Mark 14:53 - "And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language of this verse are:

"Annas" (Ἅννας): Refers to the name of the former high priest and influential figure in the Sanhedrin.
"had sent" (ἀπέστειλεν): The verb used here (from apostello) indicates the action of sending someone away or dispatching.
"bound" (δεδεμένον): This participle comes from the Greek word deo, which means "to bind" or "to tie," and emphasizes the state of confinement Jesus was in.
"Caiaphas" (Καϊάφας): This is the name of the high priest during the time of Jesus' ministry.
"high priest" (ἀρχιερέα): Refers to the chief religious authority among the Jews, who also held judicial power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of transferring a bound prisoner to a higher authority for trial parallels other ancient cultures, where a person of lower rank would bring an accused individual before nobles or kings for judgment.

The Jewish context here shows a blend of their religious laws with Roman legal customs.

In various myths and religions, figures are often handed over to higher powers for judgment, reflecting a common theme of fate and divine or karmic justice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or forensic perspective, the binding of a prisoner would be of interest in terms of the physical effects and evidence of such treatment.

However, scientific perspectives generally do not weigh in on the theological or moral implications of this verse.

Commentaries

Christian commentaries focus on the high priest's role, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the unfolding of the Passion narrative.

Some emphasize the cruel nature of Jesus' treatment, contrasting with his peaceful teachings. Others may highlight the political and social tensions between Annas, Caiaphas, and the Roman authorities during this pivotal moment.

The verse is a point of reflection on the misuse of power and authority, recognizing Jesus' submission as part of a divine plan rather than a mere legal procedure.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:24 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 18:24 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?