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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 18:4 mean?

Explanation

John 18:4 depicts a moment of profound significance in the New Testament, as it portrays Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The verse captures Jesus’ foreknowledge of the events about to unfold, a testament to his divinity and fulfillment of prophetic scripture.

Jesus steps forward to confront the group that has come to arrest him, demonstrating his willingness to face his destiny and his control over the situation.

Rather than being taken by surprise or attempting to flee, Jesus actively engages with the arresting party, a sign of his sacrificial love and resolve.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is set during the time of the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a period when the city was filled with Jews from all over the Roman Empire.

The verse falls within the Passion narrative, the account of the last hours of Jesus' life including his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.

It reflects the tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities which had been escalating due to Jesus' teachings and activities, which some perceived as a threat to the religious status quo and potentially provocative to Roman authorities.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 18:4 is rich with significance. According to Christian belief, Jesus’ submission to arrest is seen as part of his obedience to the Father’s will, a necessary step towards atonement for humanity's sin.

From an Orthodox perspective, this foreknowledge and submission illustrate Jesus’ dual nature as both fully divine and fully human.

For Protestant denominations, this verse might emphasize Jesus’ sovereignty, even in the face of suffering, reaffirming a belief in his ultimate authority.

In Catholic thought, this passage can be seen as a moment of redemptive suffering, with Jesus as the innocent lamb willingly going to the slaughter for the salvation of mankind.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a source of inspiration for believers in the face of adversity.

It encourages individuals to confront challenges with courage and integrity, knowing that God has a plan beyond immediate understanding.

It also imparts a lesson on the importance of fulfilling one's destiny and not shrinking back when faced with trials, suggesting that a greater good often arises from personal sacrifice.

Cross-References

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 22:48 - "But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?"
John 10:18 - "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.

I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.

This commandment have I received of my Father."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "knowing" (εἰδώς, eidōs) in this verse connotes a full, complete understanding, emphasizing Jesus’ divine omniscience.

The term for "went forth" (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen) can imply movement from inside to outside but also bears the connotation of coming into public view or making an appearance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a deity or hero confronting their destiny head-on is not unique to Christian scripture.

Comparatively, in some ancient mythologies, gods and demigods face their fates with a mixture of foreknowledge and courage.

For example, in Norse mythology, Odin is portrayed as having knowledge of the events of Ragnarök but still fulfills his role in them.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might not directly relate to the verse, but discussions concerning the nature of foreknowledge and free will, as understood through the lens of physics and philosophy, might find this verse intriguing.

Some scientists and philosophers discuss the nature of time, causality, and whether the future can be predetermined or known, topics that indirectly connect with the theological implications of Jesus’ foreknowledge of the events that were to come upon him.

Commentaries

Commentators from different traditions focus on various aspects of this verse. Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes Jesus' willingness to suffer and his command over the situation. The Pulpit Commentary discusses the contrast between Jesus' calm demeanor and the turmoil that would follow.

Many commentators also note the fulfillment of prophecy in this moment, as Jesus’ actions are seen as a direct correlation to the scriptures that foretold the Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:4 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 18:4 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?