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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 18:38 mean?

Explanation

[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.] John 18:38 occurs during the trial of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.

Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, engages in a dialogue with Jesus, asking Him, "What is truth?" This question surfaces after Jesus mentions that His kingdom is not of this world and that He came into the world to bear witness to the truth.

Pilate's question can be interpreted as philosophical skepticism about the nature or existence of truth, or it may reflect a cynical or pragmatic viewpoint, questioning the relevance of truth in a political context.

After asking the question, Pilate does not wait for an answer, indicating either his lack of interest in a philosophical discussion or his realization of the urgency of the situation.

Following his conversation with Jesus, Pilate addresses the Jewish leaders, asserting that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus, highlighting the tension between the Jewish authorities' accusations and Pilate's judgment of Jesus' innocence.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John, written toward the end of the first century, presents this account against the backdrop of Roman rule over Judea.

Pilate, as the prefect appointed by Rome, held the authority to carry out capital punishment.

The Jewish leaders, unable to legally execute Jesus under Roman law, brought Jesus to Pilate with the hope that he would execute Jesus on their behalf.

They accused Jesus of various crimes, including claiming to be a king, which was a challenge to the Roman authority.

Pilate's question "What is truth?" may reflect the complexity of governing a region with numerous cultural and religious groups, each with their own understanding of truth.

Theological Insights

The question Pilate asks, "What is truth?" holds significant theological weight.

From a Christian perspective, truth is not just a concept but is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, who in John 14:6 declares Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life." Thus, in the Christian tradition, Pilate's question, whether rhetorical or genuine, is laden with irony because he is addressing Truth incarnate, according to Christian belief.

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this interaction differently.

Some may see it as a missed opportunity for Pilate, who had Truth before him but failed to recognize it. Others may see it as a representation of the world's blindness to divine truth.

Practical Applications

The exchange between Pilate and Jesus can be applied to modern life by encouraging individuals to consider the nature and importance of truth in their own lives.

In an age of information overload and relative truths, this passage challenges individuals to seek out absolute truth, which some believe can be found in the teachings of Jesus.

It also serves as a reminder of the need for integrity and justice, as Pilate acknowledges Jesus' innocence yet still succumbs to political pressure, leading to an unjust outcome, the crucifixion.

Cross-References

John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Matthew 27:24: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Language Study

The key word in the original Greek text is "truth" (ἀλήθεια - alētheia), which means truthfulness, dependability, and reality that is unveiled.

Pilate's question might imply that he is questioning the existence of a dependable reality or pointing out the elusiveness of truth in philosophical and political matters.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Roman Empire, truth was often seen as pragmatic and relative, especially in political contexts.

Pilate's indifference to the matter of truth can be contrasted with the Jewish religious leaders' perception, who believed in absolute truths defined by their religious laws and traditions.

The contrast highlights the tension between secular governance and religious convictions, which is a recurring theme in other ancient myths and religious narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

The pursuit of truth is not just a religious or philosophical endeavor, it is also central to the scientific method. Science seeks to uncover facts about the natural world through experimentation and evidence.

While scientific truths are often empirical and verifiable, the verse touches on the philosophical notion of truth, which is more abstract and can intersect with faith and belief systems, areas that are typically beyond the realm of scientific inquiry.

Commentaries

Commentators often reflect on Pilate's cynicism or apathy towards the concept of truth.

Some view his question as dismissive, reflecting his role as a politician accustomed to manipulating 'truth' for expedience.

Others see Pilate as a tragic figure, caught between his understanding of justice and the political machinations of his time.

Modern scholars suggest that the scene paints Pilate in a somewhat sympathetic light, portraying him as a man who recognized Jesus' innocence yet ultimately failed to act according to his conscience due to external pressures.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:38 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 18:38 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?