The Betrayal of Jesus 1After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden. 2Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesusa had often met there with His disciples. 3So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” 5“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas His betrayer was standing there with them. 6When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. 8“I told you that I am He,” Jesus replied. “So if you are looking for Me, let these men go.” 9This was to fulfill the word He had spoken: “I have not lost one of those You have given Me.”b 10Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11“Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” 12Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people. Peter’s First Denial 15Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17At this, the servant girl watching the door said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” 18Because it was cold, the servants and officers were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was also standing with them, warming himself. Jesus before the High Priest 19Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. 20“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered. “I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard My message. Surely they know what I said.” 22When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, “Is this how You answer the high priest?” 23Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify as to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?” 24Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest. Peter’s Second and Third Denials 25Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they asked him, “Aren’t you also one of His disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?” 27Peter denied it once more, and immediately a rooster crowed. Jesus before Pilate 28Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” 30“If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” 31“You take Him and judge Him by your own law,” Pilate told them. “We are not permitted to execute anyone,” the Jews replied. 32This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.c 33Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34“Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” 35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” 36Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.” 37“Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” 38“What is truth?” Pilate asked. And having said this, he went out again to the Jews and told them, “I find no basis for a charge against Him. 39But it is your custom that I release to you one prisoner at the Passover. So then, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40“Not this man,” they shouted, “but Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas was an insurrectionist.) Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 18 Summary The Betrayal of JesusVerses 1–3 – The Garden and Judas Arrives Verses 4–11 – “I Am He” and Peter’s Sword Verses 12–14 – Bound and Taken to Annas Verses 15–18 – First Denial in the Courtyard Verses 19–24 – Questioned by Annas, Struck by an Officer Verses 25–27 – Two More Denials, Rooster Crows Verses 28–32 – From Caiaphas to Pilate Verses 33–38a – Private Interview: King and Truth Verses 38b–40 – Barabbas Chosen John 18 takes us on the journey of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, trials, and Peter's denial. This dramatic chapter underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the reality of Jesus' kingdom, and the ultimate triumph of truth, even in the face of denial and betrayal. Geographical Setting: The Kidron Valley and Gethsemane • The Kidron Valley lies between Jerusalem’s eastern wall and the Mount of Olives. Seasonal rains create a stream that Jesus would have stepped across (2 Samuel 15:23). • Excavations confirm ancient olive presses on the Mount of Olives, matching the meaning of “Gethsemane” (“oil press”). The secluded gardens made a convenient meeting—and arrest—spot. The Arresting Force • John uses the word “speira,” likely a cohort of up to 600 Roman soldiers, plus temple police. Rome and the priesthood cooperate, showing how serious they consider Jesus’ influence (Psalm 2:2). • Lanterns and torches suggest they expect to search dark corners; instead, Jesus steps into the light (John 3:19–21). “I Am He” – Echo of the Divine Name • Jesus says, “I am He” (Greek: egō eimi). The group falls back, recalling Exodus 3:14 and Isaiah 41:4. John has highlighted “I am” statements throughout the Gospel (see 6:35; 8:12). • This moment fulfills Psalm 27:1–3, where confidence makes enemies stumble. Peter’s Sword and Malchus’s Ear • Only John names Malchus, suggesting eyewitness detail. Luke notes Jesus healed the ear (Luke 22:51). • Jesus’ rebuke, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” links to Isaiah 53:10 and Jeremiah 25:15. Violence would contradict His mission (Zechariah 9:9). Annas, Caiaphas, and High-Priestly Politics • Annas served as high priest A.D. 6–15; Rome deposed him, but his five sons and son-in-law Caiaphas held the office after him. Jewish sentiment still honored Annas, so the inquiry begins with him. • Caiaphas’s earlier counsel (11:50) unwittingly echoes substitution themes from Isaiah 53:4–6. Legal Steps: Jewish and Roman Phases 1. Interrogation before Annas (informal, predawn). 2. Formal hearing before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (implicit in John, explicit in Synoptics). 3. Early Roman inquiry with Pilate outside the Praetorium. 4. Private interview inside (John 18:33–38). 5. Public offer of release, leading to Barabbas’s substitution. • Each stage fulfills prophecies: scorn (Psalm 22:6–8), false witnesses (Psalm 27:12), handing over to Gentiles (Isaiah 53:8). Peter’s Three Denials and Later Restoration • Charcoal fire (anthrakia) appears again in John 21:9 when the risen Jesus restores Peter, deliberately echoing the scene to grant forgiveness. • Cross-references: Proverbs 29:25 (fear of man), Luke 22:31–34 (Satan’s demand), yet John 21:15–17 shows grace triumphs. Pilate’s Questions: Kingship and Truth • “My kingdom is not of this world” clarifies that Jesus’ rule is spiritual first (Daniel 7:13–14). • Pilate, a pragmatic governor, cannot grasp truth rooted in God’s character (John 14:6). • Isaiah 11:4 foretells a righteous judge; Pilate, by contrast, abdicates justice. Barabbas Versus Jesus: The Irony • “Bar-abba” means “son of the father.” The crowd swaps the true Son for a false one, illustrating Isaiah 5:20 (“Woe to those who call evil good”). • Barabbas is labeled a “robber” (lēstēs), the same word used for the bandits crucified with Jesus (Matthew 27:38). Substitution is again in view. Archaeological Notes on Pilate’s Headquarters • The traditional site, the Antonia Fortress, yielded pavement stones dating to the period; inscriptions in Latin over game boards suggest Roman soldiers once stationed there. • A limestone block discovered in 1961 at Caesarea Maritima bears Pilate’s name, confirming his historical role exactly as the Gospels state. Prophecy Fulfilled in John 18 • Betrayal by a close friend: Psalm 41:9. • Struck and mistreated: Micah 5:1. • Silent dignity before authorities: Isaiah 53:7 (compare John 18:22–23). • Rejected for a criminal: Isaiah 53:12. Takeaways for Life and Faith • Jesus’ voluntary submission shows power wrapped in meekness; real authority does not resort to force. • Failure, as seen in Peter, is not final; repentance and grace restore. • God weaves even hostile politics and injustice into His redemption plan. • Truth is not an abstract idea but a Person; encountering Jesus confronts every heart with a choice, just as Pilate and the crowd had to choose. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 41:9Reflects the prophecy of betrayal by a close friend, paralleling Judas’ actions. Matthew 26:31-35 Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, highlighting the foreknowledge of Christ. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Encourages believers to be alert and stand firm in faith, recognizing the enemy’s schemes. John 14:6 Jesus declares Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, providing clarity to Pilate’s question about truth. Teaching Points The Betrayal by Judas (John 18:1-3)Judas, one of the twelve disciples, leads a detachment of soldiers and officials to arrest Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy of betrayal. This act of betrayal highlights the reality of sin and the human heart's capacity for treachery. Jesus’ Authority and Control (John 18:4-9) Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen, steps forward and identifies Himself, demonstrating His authority even in arrest. His declaration, I am He, causes the soldiers to draw back and fall to the ground, showcasing His divine power. Peter’s Denial (John 18:15-18, 25-27) Despite his earlier boldness, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction. This serves as a reminder of human weakness and the need for reliance on God’s strength. Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-40) Jesus is brought before Pilate, where He speaks of His kingdom not being of this world, emphasizing the spiritual nature of His mission. Pilate’s question, What is truth? reflects the world’s confusion and the contrast between earthly and divine perspectives. Practical Applications Guard Against BetrayalReflect on the importance of loyalty and integrity in our relationships, both with God and others. Recognize Jesus’ Sovereignty Trust in Jesus’ authority over all circumstances, knowing that He is in control even when situations seem dire. Acknowledge Human Weakness Be aware of our own vulnerabilities and the need for God’s grace to stand firm in faith. Seek the Truth Pursue a deeper understanding of God’s truth through His Word, resisting the relativism of the world. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, Jesus is arrested and taken before the high priest. He is the Son of God and the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. 2. Judas Iscariot One of the twelve disciples, Judas betrays Jesus to the authorities. His name in Greek, Ἰούδας Ἰσκαριώτης (Ioudas Iskariōtēs), is often associated with betrayal. 3. Simon Peter One of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter initially attempts to defend Jesus by cutting off the ear of the high priest's servant. His name in Greek, Σίμων Πέτρος (Simōn Petros), means "rock." 4. The High Priest (Caiaphas) Caiaphas is the high priest who advises that it is better for one man to die for the people. His role is significant in the trial of Jesus. 5. Annas The father-in-law of Caiaphas and a former high priest, Annas first questions Jesus after His arrest. 6. Malchus The servant of the high priest whose ear Peter cuts off. His name is mentioned specifically in the account. 7. Another Disciple This disciple is not named but is described as being known to the high priest and is often thought to be John, the author of the Gospel. 8. Pilate The Roman governor who presides over the trial of Jesus. His interactions with Jesus are pivotal in the narrative. 9. The Jewish Leaders Referred to collectively, they are the ones who bring Jesus to Pilate and demand His crucifixion. 10. The Crowd The group of people who are present during Jesus' trial before Pilate, calling for His crucifixion. Places 1. The GardenJohn 18:1: "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden." This garden is traditionally identified as the Garden of Gethsemane, located on the Mount of Olives. The Greek word used here is "κῆπος" (kēpos), meaning a cultivated area or garden. 2. The Kidron Valley John 18:1: "When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden." The Kidron Valley is a ravine located on the eastern side of Jerusalem, separating the city from the Mount of Olives. The Greek term "Κεδρών" (Kedrōn) refers to this specific valley. 3. The High Priest's Courtyard John 18:15: "Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest." This courtyard is part of the residence of the high priest, where Jesus was taken after His arrest. The Greek word "αὐλή" (aulē) is used, meaning a courtyard or enclosed space. 4. The Praetorium John 18:28: "Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early morning, and they did not enter the Praetorium to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover." The Praetorium was the official residence of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, in Jerusalem. The Greek term "πραιτώριον" (praitōrion) refers to this place. Events 1. Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested (John 18:1-11)After Jesus finishes praying, He crosses the Kidron Valley with His disciples to a garden. Judas, who betrays Him, arrives with soldiers and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus, knowing all that was to happen, steps forward and identifies Himself, causing the soldiers to draw back and fall to the ground. When they recover, Jesus asks them again whom they seek, and they reply, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus tells them to let His disciples go, fulfilling His earlier words that none of those given to Him would be lost. Peter, in an attempt to defend Jesus, draws a sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the high priest's servant. Jesus rebukes Peter and heals Malchus, emphasizing His submission to the Father's will. 2. Jesus Before Annas (John 18:12-14) Jesus is bound and taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas had previously advised that it would be expedient for one man to die for the people, highlighting the prophetic nature of Jesus' sacrificial death. 3. Peter's First Denial (John 18:15-18) Simon Peter and another disciple follow Jesus. The other disciple, known to the high priest, enters the courtyard with Jesus, while Peter remains outside. The other disciple speaks to the servant girl at the door, allowing Peter to enter. The servant girl asks Peter if he is one of Jesus' disciples, and Peter denies it, saying, "I am not." 4. The High Priest Questions Jesus (John 18:19-24) The high priest questions Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus responds that He has spoken openly to the world and taught in synagogues and the temple, where all Jews come together. He challenges them to ask those who heard Him. An officer strikes Jesus for His response, but Jesus calmly questions the justification for the blow. 5. Peter's Second and Third Denials (John 18:25-27) As Peter stands warming himself, he is asked again if he is one of Jesus' disciples, and he denies it. One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenges him, and Peter denies it again. Immediately, a rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial. 6. Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-40) Jesus is led from Caiaphas to the Roman governor's headquarters early in the morning. The Jewish leaders do not enter to avoid ceremonial defilement before the Passover. Pilate comes out to them and asks what charges they bring against Jesus. They insist that if He were not a criminal, they would not have handed Him over. Pilate tells them to judge Him by their law, but they insist they cannot execute anyone, fulfilling Jesus' prediction about the manner of His death. Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Jesus explains that His kingdom is not of this world, and Pilate finds no basis for a charge against Him. Pilate offers to release Jesus as part of the Passover custom, but the crowd demands Barabbas, a robber, instead. Topics 1. The Arrest of Jesus (John 18:1-11)After Jesus finishes praying, He crosses the Kidron Valley with His disciples to a garden. Judas, who betrays Him, arrives with soldiers and officials. Jesus, knowing all that was to happen, steps forward and identifies Himself. Peter, in an attempt to defend Jesus, cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant, Malchus. Jesus rebukes Peter, emphasizing the necessity of fulfilling His mission. 2. Jesus Before Annas (John 18:12-14) Jesus is bound and taken first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas had previously advised that it would be beneficial for one man to die for the people, highlighting the prophetic nature of Jesus' sacrificial death. 3. Peter's First Denial (John 18:15-18) As Jesus is taken to the high priest's courtyard, Peter follows at a distance. When questioned by a servant girl, Peter denies being one of Jesus' disciples, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction of Peter's denial. 4. The High Priest Questions Jesus (John 18:19-24) The high priest questions Jesus about His disciples and teachings. Jesus responds by pointing out that He has spoken openly and invites them to question those who heard Him. An officer strikes Jesus, but He calmly challenges the injustice of the act. 5. Peter's Second and Third Denials (John 18:25-27) Peter is again questioned about his association with Jesus and denies it twice more. Immediately after his third denial, a rooster crows, reminding Peter of Jesus' prophecy regarding his denial. 6. Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-40) Jesus is taken from Caiaphas to the Roman governor, Pilate. The Jewish leaders avoid entering the Praetorium to remain ceremonially clean for Passover. Pilate questions Jesus about being the King of the Jews. Jesus explains that His kingdom is not of this world, emphasizing the spiritual nature of His reign. Pilate, finding no basis for a charge against Him, offers to release Jesus, but the crowd demands the release of Barabbas instead. Each topic reflects the unfolding of events leading to the crucifixion, highlighting themes of prophecy, fulfillment, and the spiritual kingdom of Christ. The original Greek text provides depth to the narrative, such as the use of "I am" (ἐγώ εἰμι, egō eimi) in Jesus' self-identification, echoing divine self-revelation. Themes 1. Betrayal and Arrest of JesusIn John 18, the theme of betrayal is central as Judas Iscariot leads a band of soldiers and officials to arrest Jesus. This act of betrayal fulfills the prophecy and highlights the theme of Jesus' foreknowledge and submission to God's plan. The Greek word "παραδίδωμι" (paradidōmi), meaning "to betray" or "to hand over," underscores the gravity of Judas's actions (John 18:2-3). 2. Jesus’ Authority and Divinity When the soldiers come to arrest Jesus, He identifies Himself with the phrase "I am He" (John 18:5-6), causing them to draw back and fall to the ground. This echoes the divine name "I AM" (ἐγώ εἰμι, egō eimi) from the Old Testament, asserting His divine authority and identity. 3. Fulfillment of Scripture The events in John 18 emphasize the fulfillment of Scripture, as Jesus willingly submits to arrest to fulfill the words He had spoken about not losing any of those given to Him by the Father (John 18:9). This theme highlights the sovereignty of God and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. 4. Peter’s Denial Peter’s denial of Jesus (John 18:15-18, 25-27) illustrates human weakness and fear. Despite his earlier boldness, Peter succumbs to pressure, fulfilling Jesus' prediction of his denial. The Greek term "ἀρνέομαι" (arneomai), meaning "to deny," is used to describe Peter's actions, emphasizing the theme of human frailty. 5. Jesus’ Trial Before the High Priest The trial before Annas and Caiaphas (John 18:12-14, 19-24) reveals the theme of injustice and the religious leaders' blindness to the truth. Despite their authority, they fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, highlighting the contrast between human judgment and divine truth. 6. Kingdom Not of This World During His trial before Pilate, Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). This theme emphasizes the spiritual nature of Jesus' reign and the distinction between earthly and heavenly authority. The Greek word "βασιλεία" (basileia), meaning "kingdom," underscores the spiritual realm over which Jesus reigns. 7. Truth and Testimony Jesus’ dialogue with Pilate centers on the theme of truth. Jesus states, "For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth" (John 18:37). The Greek word "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia), meaning "truth," is pivotal, highlighting Jesus as the embodiment of divine truth and the challenge of recognizing it. 8. Rejection by the World The crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus (John 18:40) illustrates the theme of rejection by the world. Despite His innocence, Jesus is rejected in favor of a criminal, symbolizing the world's preference for darkness over light, as previously noted in John’s Gospel. Answering Tough Questions 1. John 18:5–6 – How could Jesus’ words alone physically knock an entire armed group to the ground, and is there any historical evidence corroborating such a dramatic reaction? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus' response to His arrest teach us about handling situations of conflict or injustice? 2. How does Peter's denial of Jesus challenge you in your personal faith journey? 3. What can we learn from Jesus' boldness and honesty during His trials? 4. How does Jesus' assertion that His kingdom is not of this world shape your understanding of His mission? 5. How does the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about Peter's denial demonstrate Jesus' knowledge of human nature? 6. How can the crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus be seen in today's society? 7. In what ways can you identify with Peter's denial in your own life? 8. What does it mean to belong to the truth, as Jesus states in His dialogue with Pilate? 9. How does Jesus' surrender to arrest show His love and protection for His disciples? 10. How does Jesus' approach to His trials model faith and courage for you in your trials? 11. What does Judas' betrayal teach us about the consequences of turning away from Jesus? 12. How can you apply Jesus' boldness in speaking the truth in your life? 13. How can we respond when we, like Peter, have failed in our commitment to Christ? 14. How does the crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus reflect the world's rejection of Christ and what can we do to counter this? 15. How does Jesus’ fulfillment of His prophecy about His disciples not being lost during His arrest demonstrate His care for us? 16. How does the event of Jesus' trials challenge your understanding of fairness and justice? 17. How does Jesus' declaration of His otherworldly kingdom influence your perspective on earthly and heavenly priorities? 18. In what ways can we see Peter's denial of Jesus being reflected in today's society? 19. How does Jesus' statement to Pilate about everyone on the side of truth listening to Him challenge your own commitment to truth? 20. In light of Jesus' trials and Peter's denial, how can you show your commitment to Jesus in difficult times? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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