John 18 15

John 18:15 kjv

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.

John 18:15 nkjv

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.

John 18:15 niv

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,

John 18:15 esv

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,

John 18:15 nlt

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.

John 18 verses

John 18 15 Meaning

John 18:15 describes the immediate actions of two disciples, Simon Peter and an unnamed "other disciple" (traditionally identified as John, the author), following Jesus after his arrest. While Peter followed at a distance, the "other disciple" possessed a unique advantage: he was known to the high priest, enabling him to gain entry into the high priest's courtyard. He then used this connection to arrange for Peter's admission, setting the stage for Peter's impending denial and the beginning of Jesus' religious trial. This verse underscores the disciples' wavering commitment and the "other disciple's" close proximity to the unfolding events.

John 18 15 Context

John 18:15 occurs immediately after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, a sequence that includes Peter's impulsive act of drawing a sword (Jn 18:10) and Jesus' willing submission. Jesus is led away, bound, to the house of Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law to the current high priest, Caiaphas. This verse sets the scene for Jesus' religious trials and directly foreshadows Peter's denial of Jesus. Historically and culturally, high priests' residences were significant administrative and judicial centers in Jerusalem, especially during the Passover week when the city was densely populated and tensions ran high. Being "known to the high priest" implied a social standing or connection, which facilitated access to a restricted and crucial area where the fate of Jesus would be debated by the Jewish religious authorities.

John 18 15 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction connecting the prior event (Jesus' arrest and being led away) to the disciples' immediate response, highlighting the narrative flow.

• Simon Peter (Σίμων Πέτρος - Simon Petros): Refers to the well-known apostle, emphasizing his personal involvement despite earlier boldness turning into fear. His full name identifies him specifically.

• followed (ἠκολούθει - ēkolouthei): Imperfect tense in Greek, indicating a continuous or repeated action; he was trailing or kept following. The nuance suggests a fearful, hesitant pursuit "at a distance," as clarified in the Synoptic Gospels (Mt 26:58, Mk 14:54, Lk 22:54).

• Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The subject of their following, now a prisoner being led to judgment, a profound test for His disciples.

• and so did another disciple (καὶ ἄλλος μαθητὴς - kai allos mathētēs): Literally, "and another disciple." This unnamed disciple is consistently identified by tradition and internal evidence as John, the author of this Gospel. The anonymity shifts focus from the person to the role of an eyewitness.

• that disciple (ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος - ho mathētēs ekeinos): A definite reference, further emphasizing the specific, known, yet unnamed individual.

• was known unto (ἦν γνωστὸς τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ - ēn gnōstos tō archierei): "Was known to the high priest." Imperfect tense suggests an established, ongoing relationship rather than a casual acquaintance. Gnostos implies familiarity or connections within influential circles. This privilege enabled his access.

• the high priest (τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ - tō archierei): Refers to Caiaphas, the sitting high priest, though Jesus was initially brought to Annas (Jn 18:13), his father-in-law. This authority figure represents the highest Jewish religious power.

• and went in (καὶ εἰσῆλθεν - kai eisēlthen): Aorist tense, denoting a specific, completed action: he successfully gained entry. This direct access contrasts sharply with Peter's initial exclusion.

• with Jesus (μετὰ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ - meta tou Iēsou): "With Jesus" here likely means accompanying the group or procession that led Jesus, following closely behind as Jesus entered the residence. Not necessarily walking side-by-side but moving in with the group.

• into the palace (εἰς τὴν αὐλήν - eis tēn aulēn): Refers to the high priest's residence, specifically the large, open courtyard within it, which was a public gathering space where events like trials often unfolded and fires were lit (Jn 18:18).

• Words-group analysis:

  • Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: This phrase highlights that both Peter and the "other disciple" initially exhibited a measure of loyalty, even in Jesus' captivity. However, their subsequent actions diverge greatly, setting the stage for contrasting responses to crisis.
  • that disciple was known unto the high priest: This crucial detail provides the specific, plausible reason for the "other disciple's" privileged access, distinguishing him from other followers and laying the groundwork for how Peter eventually gained entry (Jn 18:16). It also points to the possible social standing or connections of the beloved disciple.
  • and went in with Jesus into the palace: This signifies direct proximity to the events. The "other disciple" enters the very heart of the hostile judicial setting, contrasting sharply with Peter who remains outside until granted entry by this same disciple. This ensures he is a close witness to Jesus' trial.

John 18 15 Bonus section

• The "other disciple" being known to the high priest is a detail often seen as authenticating John's claim as an eyewitness. This access granted him an insider's view that other disciples (like Peter, initially) did not have, allowing for the detailed account of the proceedings within the courtyard.
• The contrast between Peter and John (the Beloved Disciple) is a recurring motif in John's Gospel. Peter represents leadership and initial impulsiveness, often struggling, but ultimately restored. John represents close, intimate, faithful presence, often remaining close to Jesus' side, embodying a quiet loyalty.
• The location, the "aulē" or courtyard, was a bustling place. During Passover, these areas would have been full of guards, servants, and other people waiting or conducting business, making the atmosphere potentially intimidating and unpredictable for a disciple of Jesus.

John 18 15 Commentary

John 18:15 vividly depicts the tension and fear gripping Jesus' disciples in the immediate aftermath of his arrest. Peter, despite his earlier bold declarations, follows "at a distance," illustrating the gap between spiritual resolve and human frailty under pressure. This hesitation foreshadows his subsequent denials. In stark contrast, the "other disciple" (John) has an established, personal connection ("was known unto") with the high priest. This critical detail is not incidental but foundational to the narrative. It grants him immediate access to the high priest's heavily guarded residence and courtyard, positioning him as a crucial eyewitness to Jesus' trial. Furthermore, his privileged entry allows him to bring Peter in, directly facilitating the circumstances for Peter's famous three denials, thereby revealing the complexities of discipleship in crisis: fear, courage, privilege, and ultimate human weakness.