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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 18:9 mean?

Explanation

[That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.] John 18:9 presents a moment during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The "saying" refers to Jesus' earlier proclamation of his protective care over his disciples, ensuring their safety.

The deeper meaning here hinges on the themes of divine protection, the fulfillment of Jesus' mission, and the preservation of the chosen followers.

Jesus speaks to the divine charge given to him to maintain the well-being of those entrusted to him by God, not just in physical terms but also spiritually; none are lost to disbelief or lasting spiritual peril.

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Historical Context

This verse occurs in the narrative of Christ's betrayal and arrest.

The book of John is generally believed to have been written towards the end of the first century CE, aimed at a community familiar with Jewish traditions, yet distinguishing themselves from the mainstream Jewish beliefs.

The historical setting was likely one of religious and communal conflict, a few decades following the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives observe this verse through various lenses.

One common interpretation focuses on the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who never loses a single sheep from his flock, which aligns with the concept of eternal security in Christian salvation theology.

Others might discuss the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, pondering the extent to which free will plays a role in the salvation and perseverance of the believers.

Practical Applications

This verse can offer comfort to believers, assuring them of Christ's abiding presence and God's protection. It encourages steadfastness in faith, as it demonstrates the idea that God oversees and ensures the spiritual safety of those who believe.

The verse can also be applied to encourage pastoral leaders in their responsibility to protect and guide their congregations.

Cross-References

John 17:12 – "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."
John 10:28-29 – "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

Language Study

The key phrase "lost none" originates from the Greek "οὐκ ἀπώλεσα ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐδένα" (ouk apolesa ex auton oudena). "ἀπώλεσα" (apolesa) is derived from "ἀπόλλυμι" (apollymi), meaning "to destroy, to perish, or to lose." It is in the aorist tense, indicative mood, first person singular, implying a completed action.

The use of "οὐδένα" (oudena), meaning "not one," emphasizes the totality of Jesus' protective action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient myths, figures that act as protectors or shepherds over a group often display unfailing care for their charges, such as in various Greco-Roman and Near Eastern mythology.

However, John 18:9 reflects a uniquely Christian claim that the divine mission includes the spiritual preservation of followers, contrasting with many myths where the protection is more often physical or material.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would not typically engage with this verse directly, as it deals with spiritual beliefs and eschatological themes that lie outside the realm of empirical science.

However, discussions on the psychological impact of belief in divine protection could intersect with the scientific study of the human mind and stress responses.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 18:9 offer a range of insights.

Many scholars assert that the verse reinforces Jesus' divinity and foreknowledge, as he fulfills what he previously said about safeguarding his disciples.

Some highlight the contrast between the faithful disciples and Judas, "the son of perdition," who was the only one "lost" because he chose to betray Jesus.

Essentially, this set the stage for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies, which commentaries often point out as key to understanding the role Jesus claimed to fulfill.

John 18

John 18

What does John 18:9 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 18:9 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?