John 18 summary meaning ai explained commentary

John 18 meaning explained in AI Summary

The narrative shifts from intimate discourse to the dramatic events of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and apprehended by a mob in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1-12). Jesus stands trial before the Jewish authorities and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Despite accusations and pressure, Jesus remains resolute in his identity and purpose (John 18:28-40). Pilate reluctantly hands Jesus over to be crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant.

Chapter 18 of the Gospel of John details the dramatic events surrounding Jesus' arrest:

1. Betrayal and Arrest (1-11): After sharing the Last Supper and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Judas arrives with a detachment of soldiers and identifies Jesus with a kiss. Jesus calmly identifies himself, causing the soldiers to fall back in awe. Peter impulsively draws his sword, injuring the high priest's servant, but Jesus heals the man and rebukes Peter's violence.

2. Jesus before Annas and Caiaphas (12-27): Jesus is bound and taken first to Annas, the former high priest, and then to Caiaphas, the current high priest. During this time, Peter follows at a distance. While Jesus is questioned about his disciples and teachings, Peter denies knowing him three times, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction.

3. Jesus before Pilate (28-40): At daybreak, Jesus is taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of claiming to be king, a charge that carries political implications for Rome. Pilate questions Jesus, who affirms he is a king, but his kingdom is not of this world. Unsure of what to do, Pilate offers to release Jesus as part of the Passover tradition, but the crowd, incited by the chief priests, demands the release of Barabbas, a notorious criminal, instead.

Key Themes:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Many events in this chapter, like Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial, were foretold by Jesus earlier, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy.
Jesus' Authority: Despite being arrested and facing false accusations, Jesus remains calm and in control, demonstrating his divine authority even in the face of adversity.
The Cost of Discipleship: Peter's denial serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and potential failures disciples may face, even with good intentions.
The Sovereignty of God: Even though orchestrated by human betrayal and injustice, Jesus' arrest is part of God's plan for the salvation of humanity.

This chapter sets the stage for the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, his trial, and ultimately, his crucifixion.

John 18 bible study ai commentary

The overarching theme of John 18 is the supreme sovereignty of Christ in the face of human betrayal and corrupt power structures. Jesus is not a helpless victim but the divine king who is in complete control of his own passion, orchestrating the events to fulfill the Father's will. The chapter contrasts Jesus’ otherworldly kingdom and divine authority with the compromised religious system of the Jews and the cynical political power of Rome, demonstrating how both fail to recognize the truth standing before them.

John 18 Context

This chapter occurs during the Passover festival in Jerusalem, a city under Roman occupation. This context is vital: the Jewish leaders (the Sanhedrin) had religious authority but lacked the Roman-held right to capital punishment (ius gladii). Annas was the former high priest but retained immense influence as the patriarch of a priestly dynasty, while his son-in-law Caiaphas was the officially recognized high priest. This dual power structure, coupled with the political anxieties of a Roman governor like Pontius Pilate, creates a tense environment where religious law and Roman politics clash, a clash that Jesus masterfully navigates.

John 18:1

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.

In-depth-analysis

Kidron Valley: Crossing the Kidron immediately follows Jesus' high priestly prayer (John 17). This deliberately echoes King David's own flight from betrayal, as he crossed the same valley when fleeing his son Absalom. However, where David fled as a defeated king, Jesus advances as a victorious king going to meet His destiny.
Garden (kepos): John does not use the specific name "Gethsemane." The use of "garden" evokes the Garden of Eden. The first Adam's failure in a garden brought sin and death; the second Adam (Christ) begins His redeeming sacrifice in a garden, showing perfect obedience.

Bible references

2 Samuel 15:23: '...the king himself crossed the Kidron Valley...' [David flees from Absalom's betrayal].
Matthew 26:36: 'Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane...' [Synoptic accounts name the place].
Genesis 3:8: '...the LORD God walking in the garden...' [First Adam's failure contrasted with Second Adam's obedience].

Cross references

Jer 31:22 (new thing in the earth), Jn 14:31 (Jesus going forth), Mk 14:32 (Gethsemane parallel), Lk 22:39 (customary place).

John 18:2-3

Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

In-depth-analysis

Judas knew the place: Emphasizes the intimacy of the betrayal. It came from within Jesus' trusted circle.
Band of soldiers (speira): This Greek word denotes a Roman cohort, which could number up to 600 soldiers. While likely a smaller detachment, its use signifies the combined force of both Roman political power and Jewish religious authority aligned against Jesus.
Lanterns and torches: An immense irony. They bring artificial lights to find the one who declared "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Their spiritual blindness requires physical light.

Bible references

Psalm 41:9: 'Even my close friend in whom I trusted... has lifted his heel against me.' [Fulfillment of betrayal by a friend].
Psalm 55:12-14: 'For it is not an enemy who taunts me... But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.' [Pain of betrayal].
John 8:12: 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness...' [Irony of them needing lights].

Cross references

Mt 26:47 (Judas arrives with a crowd), Lk 22:47-48 (betrayal with a kiss), Acts 1:16 (Scripture fulfilled).

John 18:4-6

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

In-depth-analysis

Knowing all that would happen: John constantly stresses Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereignty. He is not surprised or cornered; He is the agent in control.
"I am he" (ego eimi): This is the central theological statement of the scene. On the surface, it's an affirmation of identity. Theologically, it is the divine name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14 in the Greek Septuagint).
Fell to the ground: The response to the divine name. This is not a simple stumble; it is a demonstration of Jesus' immense, inherent power. He could have destroyed them, but He is willingly surrendering His power. This moment reveals who is truly in charge.

Bible references

Exodus 3:14: 'God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”' [The source of the divine name ego eimi].
John 8:58: '...before Abraham was, I am.' [Jesus explicitly uses ego eimi to claim divinity].
Daniel 10:9: '...I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in a deep sleep with my face to the ground.' [Human reaction to divine presence].

Cross references

Isa 43:10 (that you may know I am he), Ps 27:2 (foes stumble and fall), Jn 6:20 (Jesus calming the storm with "I am").

Polemics: This passage directly refutes any depiction of Jesus as a mere political zealot or a martyr caught by surprise. It presents a divine being whose power is so overwhelming that a simple statement of His identity prostrates armed soldiers. The arrest happens not because they overpower Him, but because He permits it.

John 18:7-9

So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one."

In-depth-analysis

"Let these men go": In the midst of His own arrest, Jesus' priority is protecting His disciples. He acts as the Good Shepherd, sacrificing Himself for the sheep.
Fulfill the word: John connects Jesus' action directly to His own prayer in the previous chapter. This shows that Jesus' words have the force of prophecy. He doesn't just fulfill Old Testament scripture; He fulfills His own divine declarations.

Bible references

John 17:12: 'While I was with them, I kept them in your name... and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction...' [The word that is fulfilled].
John 10:11: 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' [His actions demonstrating His teaching].
Isaiah 53:11-12: '...he shall bear their iniquities... he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.' [Interceding and protecting].

Cross references

Jn 6:39 (Father's will to lose none), Jn 10:28 (no one can snatch them from my hand).

John 18:10-11

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"

In-depth-analysis

Peter's Sword: Peter acts with worldly, carnal power. He fails to understand the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which is not advanced by violence. John uniquely names both Peter and the servant, Malchus, adding a historian's detail.
"The cup": A powerful Old Testament metaphor for divine judgment or an assigned destiny. Jesus is not resisting the Father's plan of salvation, which includes enduring the wrath against sin. He willingly accepts his sacrificial role.

Bible references

Matthew 26:39: '...My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.' [Jesus' acceptance of the cup in Gethsemane].
Isaiah 51:17: '...you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath...' [Cup as a metaphor for wrath/judgment].
Luke 22:51: 'But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him.' [Luke's account includes the healing, showing grace amid violence].

Cross references

Ps 75:8 (cup in the Lord's hand), Jer 25:15 (cup of wrath), Zec 13:7 (strike the shepherd).

John 18:12-14

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

In-depth-analysis

Bound him: The one whose name felled soldiers is now bound. This is a voluntary submission, a physical sign of him taking on the role of the sacrificial lamb.
Annas, then Caiaphas: This shows the political maneuvering. The hearing starts with Annas, the real power broker, in an illegal, preliminary inquiry before the official trial.
Caiaphas's prophecy: John reminds the reader of Caiaphas's unwitting, cynical prophecy from John 11. He highlights the divine irony that God was using the high priest's wicked political calculus to achieve His plan of salvation.

Bible references

John 11:50: '...it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.' [Caiaphas's cynical prophecy recalled].
Genesis 22:9: '...And he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar...' [Echoes of the sacrificial binding of a beloved son].
Acts 2:23: '...this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed...' [God's sovereign plan over human evil].

Cross references

Mk 14:53 (taken to high priest), Lk 3:2 (Annas and Caiaphas as high priests).

John 18:15-18

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

In-depth-analysis

Another disciple: Traditionally identified as John the apostle, who had connections that gave him access.
Peter's First Denial: The challenge comes from a lowly servant girl, highlighting the weakness of Peter's denial. His confident boast from chapter 13 crumbles under the slightest pressure.
Charcoal fire (anthrakia): This specific Greek word appears only one other time in the New Testament: in John 21, when the resurrected Jesus makes a charcoal fire and restores Peter. John creates a powerful literary bracket around Peter's failure and redemption.
It was cold: This notes the physical temperature but also symbolizes the spiritual coldness of the world's hostility and of Peter's heart at that moment.

Bible references

John 21:9: 'When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.' [The only other use of anthrakia].
John 13:37-38: 'Peter said to him, "Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Jesus answered... "the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times."' [The boast that is now failing].
Proverbs 29:25: 'The fear of man lays a snare...' [Peter's failure explained].

Cross references

Mt 26:69-70 (parallel denial account), Mk 14:66-68, Lk 22:55-57.

John 18:19-24

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness to the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

In-depth-analysis

Illegal Inquiry: Annas's questioning was against Jewish law, which required witnesses to be heard first, not a self-incriminating interrogation of the accused.
Jesus' Defense: Jesus does not answer the substance of the question but challenges the legality of the process itself. His teaching was public and verifiable. He places the burden of proof back on his accusers.
Calm under abuse: When struck, Jesus doesn't react with anger or supernatural power, but with irrefutable logic and calm authority. He highlights the injustice of the situation. He models perfect righteousness under persecution.

Bible references

Isaiah 50:6-7: 'I gave my back to those who strike... The Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced...' [Prophecy of the suffering servant's resolve].
1 Peter 2:23: 'When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten...' [Christ as the example for suffering Christians].
John 7:26: 'And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him!...' [Confirming the public nature of his ministry].

Cross references

Acts 23:2-5 (Paul challenges the high priest), Isa 53:7 (like a lamb that is silent), Micah 5:1 (strike the judge of Israel).

John 18:25-27

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not." One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

In-depth-analysis

Escalating Denials: The second denial is to a group, the third to a relative of Malchus—an eyewitness. The pressure mounts, and Peter's denials become more emphatic.
Rooster Crowed: The sound serves as the immediate, audible sign of Jesus' prophecy being fulfilled and the crushing proof of Peter's failure. John's narrative is swift and brutal: denial, then immediate fulfillment.

Bible references

John 13:38: '...Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.' [Direct fulfillment of Jesus' prediction].
Luke 22:61: 'And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord...' [Luke adds the powerful detail of Jesus looking at Peter].
Mark 14:72: 'And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter broke down and wept.' [Mark highlights Peter's emotional collapse].

Cross references

Mt 26:74-75 (denial with an oath), Lk 22:58-62 (Peter's denials).

John 18:28-32

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" ...They answered him, "If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you." ...Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was to die.

In-depth-analysis

Hypocrisy of Defilement: The Jewish leaders exhibit supreme irony. They are meticulously avoiding ritual defilement by not entering a Gentile dwelling, while orchestrating the murder of the innocent Son of God. They are straining a gnat and swallowing a camel.
"Not lawful for us to put anyone to death": This crucial admission shows why they needed Pilate. Their goal was Jesus' death, which they could not legally carry out under Roman law.
To fulfill the word: John again acts as theologian and interpreter. This political reality—the Jews lacking authority to execute—is divinely purposed to ensure Jesus dies by crucifixion (a Roman method) rather than stoning (a Jewish method). This fulfills his own prediction of being "lifted up."

Bible references

John 12:32-33: '"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." He said this to show by what kind of death he was to die.' [The fulfilled word about crucifixion].
Deuteronomy 21:23: '...a hanged man is cursed by God.' [The theological significance of being "lifted up" on a tree].
Matthew 23:24: 'You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!' [Jesus' own critique of this type of hypocrisy].

Cross references

Acts 18:14-16 (Roman dismissal of Jewish disputes), Num 28:18 (holy convocation), Deut 16:2 (Passover).

John 18:33-38a

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" ...Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"

In-depth-analysis

"Are you the King of the Jews?": Pilate's question is about political sedition. Is Jesus a rival king to Caesar?
"My kingdom is not of this world": This is not a denial of His kingship but a definition of its nature and origin. His rule does not operate by the world's principles of coercion and violence.
Bear witness to the truth: Jesus redefines His kingship's purpose. His reign is established not by fighting but by revealing ultimate reality—the truth about God, humanity, and salvation.
"What is truth?" (Ti estin aletheia?): Pilate's famous question can be read as cynical, weary, or genuinely perplexed. He is a pragmatist confronted by absolute truth. The great irony is that Truth, personified, is standing right in front of him. A popular Latin anagram of the question, Quid est veritas?, is Est vir qui adest ("It is the man who is here").

Bible references

John 14:6: 'Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”' [Pilate asks what truth is; Jesus is Truth].
1 Timothy 6:13: '...Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession.' [Paul identifying this moment as a central "confession"].
Daniel 2:44: 'And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed...' [The nature of God's eternal kingdom].

Cross references

Dan 7:14 (an everlasting dominion), Phil 3:20 (our citizenship is in heaven), Jn 8:47 (whoever is of God hears God's words), 2 Cor 10:4 (weapons are not of the flesh).

John 18:38b-40

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, "I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

In-depth-analysis

"I find no guilt in him": The official verdict from the Roman legal authority is "innocent." This is the first of three times Pilate will declare this (18:38; 19:4, 6), underscoring the injustice of the crucifixion.
King of the Jews: Pilate uses this title mockingly, attempting to shame the Jewish leaders into backing down. It backfires.
Barabbas: His name means "son of the father" (Bar-Abbas). The crowd, instigated by the chief priests, chooses to free a counterfeit "son of the father," a murderer and rebel (lestes - bandit/insurrectionist), and condemn the true, eternal Son of the Father. This is the ultimate substitution.

Bible references

Isaiah 53:3: 'He was despised and rejected by mankind...' [The rejection of the Messiah].
Acts 3:14: '...you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you.' [Peter's later sermon recalling this event].
Leviticus 16:8-10: [A faint thematic echo of the two goats on the Day of Atonement, where one is sacrificed and one (the scapegoat) is released].

Cross references

Mt 27:20-21 (priests persuade crowd), Mk 15:11, Lk 23:4, 13-16 (Pilate declares innocence).

John chapter 18 analysis

The Sovereignty of Jesus: The dominant theme. From the ego eimi in the garden to his masterful handling of Annas and Pilate, Jesus is never portrayed as a victim. He is the divine king controlling the pace and purpose of events, even his own death.
Irony as a Literary Tool: John uses irony throughout the chapter to expose human folly and divine purpose:
- Using torches to find the "Light of the World."
- Binding the one with all power.
- Religious leaders focusing on ritual purity while committing murder.
- Pilate asking "What is truth?" to the one who is Truth personified.
- The crowd choosing Barabbas ("son of the father") over the true Son of the Father.
Kingdoms in Conflict: The chapter stages a confrontation between three kingdoms: the political kingdom of Rome (Pilate), the religious kingdom of the Jewish establishment (Annas/Caiaphas), and the spiritual Kingdom of God (Jesus). Both earthly kingdoms are shown to be corrupt, blind, and ultimately powerless before the reality of Christ's heavenly reign.
Fulfillment: John is unique in highlighting not just the fulfillment of Old Testament scripture, but the fulfillment of Jesus' own spoken words (protecting the disciples, the manner of His death). This elevates Christ's own speech to the level of divine, prophetic word.
Literary Foreshadowing: The mention of the "charcoal fire" (anthrakia) where Peter denies Jesus is a deliberate setup for the "charcoal fire" in John 21 where he is restored, creating a powerful narrative arc of failure and grace.

John 18 summary

Jesus, demonstrating divine sovereignty with the declaration "I AM," orchestrates His own arrest in a garden, simultaneously protecting His disciples. While Jesus calmly faces an illegal religious hearing, Peter denies Him three times as prophesied. Before the Roman governor Pilate, Jesus defines His kingship as a spiritual kingdom of truth, a concept the cynical politician cannot grasp. Despite declaring Jesus innocent, Pilate caves to the demands of the crowd, who shockingly choose to release the murderer Barabbas and condemn their true King, thereby setting the stage for the crucifixion according to God's predetermined plan.

John 17 AI John 19 AI

John 18 AI Image Audio and Video

John chapter 18 kjv

¹ 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.
² And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
³ Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
⁵ They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
⁶ As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
⁷ Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
⁸ Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
⁹ That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
¹⁰ 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.
¹¹ 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?
¹² Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
¹³ And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
¹⁴ Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
¹⁵ 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.
¹⁶ 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.
¹⁷ 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.
¹⁸ 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.
¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
²⁰ 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.
²¹ Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
²² 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?
²³ Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
²⁴ Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
²⁵ 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.
²⁶ 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?
²⁷ Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
²⁸ 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.
²⁹ Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
³⁰ They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
³¹ 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:
³² That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
³³ Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
³⁴ Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
³⁵ Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
³⁶ 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.
³⁷ 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.
³⁸ 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.
³⁹ 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?
⁴⁰ Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

John chapter 18 nkjv

¹ When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?"
⁵ They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
⁶ Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground.
⁷ Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
⁸ Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,"
⁹ that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none."
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"
¹² Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
¹³ And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
¹⁴ Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
¹⁵ And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
¹⁶ But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.
¹⁷ Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."
¹⁸ Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.
²⁰ Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
²¹ Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said."
²² And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, "Do You answer the high priest like that?"
²³ Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?"
²⁴ Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
²⁵ Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, "You are not also one of His disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not!"
²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with Him?"
²⁷ Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.
²⁸ Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover.
²⁹ Pilate then went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?"
³⁰ They answered and said to him, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you."
³¹ Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"
³² that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die.
³³ Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
³⁴ Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?"
³⁵ Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?"
³⁶ Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."
³⁷ Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
³⁸ Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all.
³⁹ "But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"
⁴⁰ Then they all cried again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

John chapter 18 niv

¹ When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.
² Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
³ So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
⁴ Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
⁵ "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
⁶ When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
⁷ Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" "Jesus of Nazareth," they said.
⁸ Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go."
⁹ This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
¹¹ Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"
¹² Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
¹³ and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.
¹⁵ Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard,
¹⁶ but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
¹⁷ "You aren't one of this man's disciples too, are you?" she asked Peter. He replied, "I am not."
¹⁸ It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
²⁰ "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
²¹ Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
²³ "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"
²⁴ Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, "You aren't one of his disciples too, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
²⁶ One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the garden?"
²⁷ Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
²⁸ Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.
²⁹ So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges 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 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," they objected.
³² This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die.
³³ Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
³⁴ "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"
³⁵ "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"
³⁶ Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."
³⁷ "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
³⁸ "What is truth?" retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.
³⁹ But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"
⁴⁰ They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.

John chapter 18 esv

¹ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered.
² Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
³ So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.
⁴ Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?"
⁵ They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.
⁶ When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
⁷ So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
⁸ Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."
⁹ This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one."
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
¹¹ So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?"
¹² So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.
¹³ First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
¹⁴ It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
¹⁵ Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest,
¹⁶ but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.
¹⁷ The servant girl at the door said to Peter, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."
¹⁸ Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
¹⁹ The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
²⁰ Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.
²¹ Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said."
²² When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?"
²³ Jesus answered him, "If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?"
²⁴ Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
²⁵ Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You also are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not."
²⁶ One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Did I not see you in the garden with him?"
²⁷ Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.
²⁸ Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover.
²⁹ So Pilate went outside to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"
³⁰ They answered him, "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you."
³¹ Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death."
³² This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
³³ So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
³⁴ Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?"
³⁵ Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?"
³⁶ Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."
³⁷ Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world ? to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
³⁸ Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, "I find no guilt in him.
³⁹ But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"
⁴⁰ They cried out again, "Not this man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

John chapter 18 nlt

¹ After saying these things, Jesus crossed the Kidron Valley with his disciples and entered a grove of olive trees.
² Judas, the betrayer, knew this place, because Jesus had often gone there with his disciples.
³ The leading priests and Pharisees had given Judas a contingent of Roman soldiers and Temple guards to accompany him. Now with blazing torches, lanterns, and weapons, they arrived at the olive grove.
⁴ Jesus fully realized all that was going to happen to him, so he stepped forward to meet them. "Who are you looking for?" he asked.
⁵ "Jesus the Nazarene," they replied. "I AM he," Jesus said. (Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them.)
⁶ As Jesus said "I AM he," they all drew back and fell to the ground!
⁷ Once more he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" And again they replied, "Jesus the Nazarene."
⁸ "I told you that I AM he," Jesus said. "And since I am the one you want, let these others go."
⁹ He did this to fulfill his own statement: "I did not lose a single one of those you have given me."
¹⁰ Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest's slave.
¹¹ But Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?"
¹² So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up.
¹³ First they took him to Annas, since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time.
¹⁴ Caiaphas was the one who had told the other Jewish leaders, "It's better that one man should die for the people."
¹⁵ Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another of the disciples. That other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, so he was allowed to enter the high priest's courtyard with Jesus.
¹⁶ Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in.
¹⁷ The woman asked Peter, "You're not one of that man's disciples, are you?" "No," he said, "I am not."
¹⁸ Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.
¹⁹ Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them.
²⁰ Jesus replied, "Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret.
²¹ Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said."
²² Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. "Is that the way to answer the high priest?" he demanded.
²³ Jesus replied, "If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I'm speaking the truth, why are you beating me?"
²⁴ Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.
²⁵ Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire warming himself, they asked him again, "You're not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "No, I am not."
²⁶ But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, "Didn't I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?"
²⁷ Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.
²⁸ Jesus' trial before Caiaphas ended in the early hours of the morning. Then he was taken to the headquarters of the Roman governor. His accusers didn't go inside because it would defile them, and they wouldn't be allowed to celebrate the Passover.
²⁹ So Pilate, the governor, went out to them and asked, "What is your charge against this man?"
³⁰ "We wouldn't have handed him over to you if he weren't a criminal!" they retorted.
³¹ "Then take him away and judge him by your own law," Pilate told them. "Only the Romans are permitted to execute someone," the Jewish leaders replied.
³² (This fulfilled Jesus' prediction about the way he would die. )
³³ Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him.
³⁴ Jesus replied, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?"
³⁵ "Am I a Jew?" Pilate retorted. "Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?"
³⁶ Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world."
³⁷ Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true."
³⁸ "What is truth?" Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, "He is not guilty of any crime.
³⁹ But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this 'King of the Jews'?"
⁴⁰ But they shouted back, "No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!" (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)