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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 18:37 mean?

Explanation

John 18:37 features a dialogue between Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, and Jesus Christ during his trial.

Pilate questions Jesus about the accusation that He claims to be a king, a charge that could be seen as a threat to Roman authority.

Jesus confirms that He is a king, but His kingdom is not of this world.

Instead, He reveals that His purpose is to testify to the truth.

When Jesus says, "Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice," He implies that those who seek truth will listen to His teachings and follow Him.

This underlines a fundamental aspect of Jesus' mission on earth: to witness the truth of God's will and message to humanity.

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Historical Context

The conversation between Pilate and Jesus occurred during the final hours before Jesus' crucifixion.

The historical context is the Passover period in Jerusalem, under Roman rule.

At this time, political unrest was common, and the Roman authorities were wary of any form of rebellion.

The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate, accusing Him of claiming to be the King of the Jews, which could be seen as a challenge to Caesar's authority.

Pilate's interrogation sought to determine whether Jesus posed a political threat.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus' kingship in a spiritual rather than political sense.

It also highlights the notion of truth in Christianity, the idea that Jesus embodies the ultimate truth from God and that truth is a central tenet of the faith.

Different Christian denominations may interpret this verse with slight variations, but generally, they agree on the importance of Jesus' mission to reveal God's truth to the world.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to seek truth and align their actions with it.

For believers, 'hearing Jesus’ voice' can mean studying Scripture, praying, and being attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

It also suggests that followers of Christ have a responsibility to bear witness to the truth in their own lives and to others.

Cross-References

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
"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." (John 18:36)

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "truth" (Greek: ἀλήθεια, alētheia) and "king" (Greek: βασιλεύς, basileus).

Alētheia means truth, but also reality, as opposed to falsehood or illusion.

Basileus typically refers to a monarch or sovereign ruler.

Understanding these terms in their original language deepens the reader's comprehension of Jesus' role as a spiritual leader and the essence of His message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Roman culture, a king (rex) had absolute power and was often considered divine.

In contrast, Jewish expectations of a Messiah (Christ) included a range of perspectives from a spiritual savior to a political leader.

Comparing these, Jesus’ claim to kingship in John 18:37 is unique in that it defies both the Roman and common Jewish expectations of His time, focusing instead on a spiritual dimension.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understanding, as it deals with concepts of kingship and truth within a religious and philosophical discourse.

However, in a broader sense, the pursuit of truth, which is central to this verse, can also resonate with the scientific method's goal of seeking knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various perspectives on this verse.

Some focus on the duality between Jesus' acknowledgment of His kingship and His clarification that His kingdom is not political. Others reflect on the nature of truth and Pilate's subsequent and famous rhetorical question, "What is truth?" (John 18:38).

Many commentaries underscore the acceptance and recognition of truth as integral to the Christian faith and discipleship, emphasizing that to believe in Jesus is to embrace the truth He embodies and proclaims.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:37 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 18:37 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?