Matthew 26:47-68
Tree of Life Version
Taken into Custody
47 While Yeshua was still speaking, here came Judah, one of the Twelve, and with him a big crowd with swords and clubs, from the ruling kohanim and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The One I kiss, He’s the One—seize Him!’ 49 And immediately Judah drew near[a] to Yeshua and said, “Shalom, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50 “Friend,” Yeshua said to him, “do what you’ve come to do.” Then they came up and threw their hands on Yeshua and seized Him. 51 And suddenly, one of those with Yeshua stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and he struck the kohen gadol’s servant and cut off his ear.
52 Then Yeshua said to him, “Put your sword back in its place! For all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. [b] 53 Or do you suppose that I cannot call on My Father, and at once He will place at My side twelve legions[c] of angels? 54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”
55 At that hour Yeshua said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, to capture Me as you would a revolutionary?[d] Every day I sat teaching in the Temple, and you didn’t seize Me. 56 But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples fled, abandoning Him.
57 Now those who had seized Yeshua led Him away to Caiaphas, the kohen gadol, where the Torah scholars and elders had gathered. 58 Peter was following Him from a distance as far as the courtyard of the kohen gadol. And after going inside, he was sitting with the guards, to see the outcome.
Yeshua’s Trial Begins
59 Now the ruling kohanim and all the Sanhedrin kept trying to get false testimony against Yeshua so they could put Him to death. 60 But they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I’m able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days!’”
62 The kohen gadol stood up and said to Yeshua, “Have You no answer? What’s this they’re testifying against You?” 63 But Yeshua kept silent.
The kohen gadol said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God, tell us if You are Mashiach Ben-Elohim!”[e]
64 “As you have said,” replied Yeshua. “Besides that, I tell you, soon after you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”[f]
65 Then the kohen gadol tore his clothes and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, you’ve heard the blasphemy. 66 What’s your verdict?”[g]
“Guilty,” they answered. “He deserves death!” 67 Then they spat in His face and pounded Him with their fists.[h] Others slapped Him and demanded, 68 “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Which one hit You?”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 26:49 cf. Gen. 44:18.
- Matthew 26:53 cf. Gen. 9:6.
- Matthew 26:53 1 legion = 6000 soldiers.
- Matthew 26:55 Or robber.
- Matthew 26:63 cf. Jn. 20:31.
- Matthew 26:64 cf. Dan. 7:13; Ps. 110:1; Isa. 9:6(7).
- Matthew 26:66 cf. Lev. 24:16.
- Matthew 26:67 cf. Isa. 50:6.
Matthew 26:47-68
English Standard Version
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 (A)While he was still speaking, (B)Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, (C)Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, (D)“Friend, (E)do what you came to do.”[a] Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his (F)sword and struck the servant[b] of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For (G)all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 (H)Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me (I)more than twelve (J)legions of angels? 54 (K)But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day (L)I sat in the temple (M)teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But (N)all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (O)Then all the disciples left him and fled.
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
57 (P)Then (Q)those who had seized Jesus led him to (R)Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And (S)Peter was following him at a distance, as far as (T)the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with (U)the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council[c] (V)were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, (W)though many false witnesses came forward. At last (X)two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, (Y)‘I am able to (Z)destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”[d] 63 (AA)But Jesus remained silent. (AB)And the high priest said to him, (AC)“I adjure you by (AD)the living God, (AE)tell us if you are (AF)the Christ, (AG)the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, (AH)“You have said so. But I tell you, from now on (AI)you will see the Son of Man (AJ)seated at the right hand of Power and (AK)coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest (AL)tore his robes and said, (AM)“He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, (AN)“He deserves death.” 67 Then (AO)they spit in his face (AP)and (AQ)struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you (AR)Christ! Who is it that struck you?”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 26:50 Or Friend, why are you here?
- Matthew 26:51 Or bondservant
- Matthew 26:59 Greek Sanhedrin
- Matthew 26:62 Or Have you no answer to what these men testify against you?
Matthew 26:47-68
The Message
With Swords and Clubs
47-49 The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.
50-51 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?”
Then they came on him—grabbed him and roughed him up. One of those with Jesus pulled his sword and, taking a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant, cut off his ear.
52-54 Jesus said, “Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords. Don’t you realize that I am able right now to call to my Father, and twelve companies—more, if I want them—of fighting angels would be here, battle-ready? But if I did that, how would the Scriptures come true that say this is the way it has to be?”
55-56 Then Jesus addressed the mob: “What is this—coming out after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I have been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. You’ve done it this way to confirm and fulfill the prophetic writings.”
Then all the disciples cut and ran.
False Charges
57-58 The gang that had seized Jesus led him before Caiaphas the Chief Priest, where the religion scholars and leaders had assembled. Peter followed at a safe distance until they got to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Then he slipped in and mingled with the servants, watching to see how things would turn out.
59-60 The high priests, conspiring with the Jewish Council, tried to cook up charges against Jesus in order to sentence him to death. But even though many stepped up, making up one false accusation after another, nothing was believable.
60-61 Finally two men came forward with this: “He said, ‘I can tear down this Temple of God and after three days rebuild it.’”
62 The Chief Priest stood up and said, “What do you have to say to the accusation?”
63 Jesus kept silent.
Then the Chief Priest said, “I command you by the authority of the living God to say if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 Jesus was curt: “You yourself said it. And that’s not all. Soon you’ll see it for yourself:
The Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Mighty One,
Arriving on the clouds of heaven.”
65-66 At that, the Chief Priest lost his temper, ripping his robes, yelling, “He blasphemed! Why do we need witnesses to accuse him? You all heard him blaspheme! Are you going to stand for such blasphemy?”
They all said, “Death! That seals his death sentence.”
67-68 Then they were spitting in his face and knocking him around. They jeered as they slapped him: “Prophesy, Messiah: Who hit you that time?”
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Mark 14:43-52
Tree of Life Version
Betrayed and Abandoned
43 Right away, while Yeshua was still speaking, Judah comes up, one of the Twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the ruling kohanim, Torah scholars, and elders. 44 Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “The One I kiss, He’s the One! Seize Him and lead Him away under guard.”
45 As soon as Judah came, he drew near[a] to Yeshua and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 Then they threw their hands on Yeshua and seized Him. 47 But one of the bystanders, drawing his sword, struck the servant of the kohen gadol and cut off his ear.
48 Yeshua said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs, to capture Me as you would against a revolutionary? 49 Every day I was with you in the Temple teaching, and you didn’t seize Me. But this is so that the Scriptures[b] would be fulfilled.” 50 And all fled, abandoning Him. [c] 51 A certain young man was following Him, with nothing but a linen cloth around his body, and they grabbed him. 52 But he ran away naked, leaving behind the linen cloth.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Mark 14:45 cf. Gen. 44:18.
- Mark 14:49 cf. Mt. 26:56, writings of the prophets.
- Mark 14:51 cf. Zech. 13:7; Mk. 14:27; Mt. 26:31.
Mark 14:43-52
English Standard Version
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
43 (A)And immediately, while he was still speaking, (B)Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, (C)“Rabbi!” And he (D)kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his (E)sword and struck the servant[a] of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 (F)Day after day I was with you in the temple (G)teaching, and you did not seize me. But (H)let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 (I)And they all left him and fled.
A Young Man Flees
51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but (J)a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Mark 14:47 Or bondservant
Mark 14:43-52
The Message
A Bunch of Thugs
43-47 No sooner were the words out of his mouth when Judas, the one out of the Twelve, showed up, and with him a bunch of thugs, sent by the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders, brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a signal with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him. Make sure he doesn’t get away.” He went straight to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The others then grabbed him and roughed him up. One of the men standing there unsheathed his sword, swung, and came down on the Chief Priest’s servant, lopping off the man’s ear.
48-50 Jesus said to them, “What is this, coming after me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I’ve been sitting in the Temple teaching, and you never so much as lifted a hand against me. What you in fact have done is confirm the prophetic writings.” All the disciples bailed on him.
51-52 A young man was following along. All he had on was a bedsheet. Some of the men grabbed him but he got away, running off naked, leaving them holding the sheet.
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Luke 22:47-71
Tree of Life Version
Betrayed!
47 While Yeshua was speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judah, one of the Twelve, approached Yeshua to kiss Him. 48 But Yeshua said to him, “Judah, with a kiss you betray the Son of Man?”[a]
49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Master, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the kohen gadol and cut off his right ear.
51 But Yeshua answered and said, “Stop this now!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.
52 Then Yeshua said to the ruling kohanim, officers of the Temple guard, and the elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a revolutionary? 53 Every day I was with you in the Temple, yet you did not lay a finger on Me. But this is yours—the hour and the power of darkness.” 54 Then they seized Yeshua and led Him away and brought Him into the house of the kohen gadol. But Peter was following from a distance.
Denied Three Times
55 Now they had lit a fire in the center of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter was sitting among them. 56 Then a servant girl saw him sitting at the fire. She looked straight at him and said, “This one was with Him too!”
57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I don’t know Him!”
58 A little later, another saw him and said, “You too are one of them.”
But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
59 And about an hour later, another began to insist, saying, “Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he too is a Galilean!”
60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.’
62 And Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Beaten by Roman Soldiers
63 Now the men who were guarding Yeshua began mocking and beating Him. 64 They blindfolded Him and kept asking Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is the one who hit You?” 65 And reviling Him, they were saying many other things against Him.
Brought Before the Council
66 As it become day, the elders of the people gathered together, both ruling kohanim and Torah scholars, and they led Him away to their council, saying, 67 “If You are Mashiach, tell us.”
But Yeshua said to them, “If I tell you, you will never believe; 68 and if I ask you, you will never answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man is seated at the right hand of the power of God.”[b]
70 Then they all said, “Are You then Ben-Elohim?”
And to them He said, “You say that I am.”
71 Then they said, “What further need do we have for testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth!”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Luke 22:48 cf. Ps. 55:12-13, 20.
- Luke 22:69 cf. Dan. 7:13(LXX); Ps. 110:1(109:1 LXX).
Luke 22:47-71
English Standard Version
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
47 (A)While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called (B)Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike (C)with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant[a] of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and (D)officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When (E)I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is (F)your hour, and (G)the power of darkness.”
Peter Denies Jesus
54 (H)Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, (I)and Peter was following at a distance. 55 (J)And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of (K)the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another (L)insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and (M)looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, (N)“Before the rooster crows today, you will (O)deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
Jesus Is Mocked
63 (P)Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 (Q)They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, (R)“Prophesy! (S)Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, (T)blaspheming him.
Jesus Before the Council
66 (U)When day came, (V)the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their (W)council, and they (X)said, 67 (Y)“If you are (Z)the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated (AA)at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you (AB)the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, (AC)“You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Luke 22:50 Or bondservant
Luke 22:47-71
The Message
47-48 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a crowd showed up, Judas, the one from the Twelve, in the lead. He came right up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said, “Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49-50 When those with him saw what was happening, they said, “Master, shall we fight?” One of them took a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.
51 Jesus said, “Let them be. Even in this.” Then, touching the servant’s ear, he healed him.
52-53 Jesus spoke to those who had come—high priests, Temple police, religion leaders: “What is this, jumping me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I’ve been with you in the Temple and you’ve not so much as lifted a hand against me. But do it your way—it’s a dark night, a dark hour.”
A Rooster Crowed
54-56 Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, “This man was with him!”
57 He denied it, “Woman, I don’t even know him.”
58 A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, “You’re one of them.”
But Peter denied it: “Man, I am not.”
59 About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: “He’s got to have been with him! He’s got ‘Galilean’ written all over him.”
60-62 Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.
Slapping Him Around
63-65 The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold on him and taunted, “Who hit you that time?” They were having a grand time with him.
66-67 When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, “Are you the Messiah?”
67-69 He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.”
70 They all said, “So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?”
“You’re the ones who keep saying it,” he said.
71 But they had made up their minds, “Why do we need any more evidence? We’ve all heard him as good as say it himself.”
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John 18:1-24
Tree of Life Version
Betrayed and Arrested
18 When Yeshua had said these things, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley,[a] where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 Now Judah, who was betraying Him, also knew the place, because Yeshua had often met there with His disciples. 3 So Judah, having taken a band of soldiers and some officers from the ruling kohanim and Pharisees, comes there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Then Yeshua, knowing all the things coming upon Him, went forward. He said to them, “Who are you looking for?”
5 “Yeshua ha-Natzrati,” they answered Him.
Yeshua tells them, “I am.” Now Judah, the one betraying Him, was also standing with them. 6 So when Yeshua said to them, “I am,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 So again He asked them, “Who are you looking for?”
And they said, “Yeshua ha-Natzrati.”
8 Yeshua answered, “I told you, I am! If you’re looking for Me, let these men go their way.” 9 This was so the word would be fulfilled that He spoke: “I did not lose one of those You have given Me.”[b]
10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the kohen gadol, and cut off his right ear. Now the servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Yeshua said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath! The cup the Father has given Me—shall I never drink it?”
Interrogated and Tried
12 Then the band of soldiers, with the captain and the officers of the Judeans, seized Yeshua and tied Him up. 13 They led Him first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the kohen gadol that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Judean leaders that it was better for one man to die on behalf of the people.
15 Simon Peter was following Yeshua with another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the kohen gadol, so he went with Yeshua into the court of the kohen gadol. 16 But Peter was left standing outside by the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the kohen gadol, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper and brought Peter in.
17 The maidservant at the door says to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this Man’s disciples too?”
He says, “No, I’m not.” 18 The servants and officers were standing around a fire they had made, because it was cold and they were warming themselves. And Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The kohen gadol then questioned Yeshua about His disciples and His teaching. 20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Yeshua answered him. “I always taught in the synagogues and the Temple, where all the Jewish people come together. I spoke nothing in secret. 21 Why question Me? Ask those who have heard what I spoke to them. Look, they know what I said.”
22 When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby gave Yeshua a slap, saying, “Is that the way you answer the kohen gadol?”
23 Yeshua answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, give evidence of the wrong; but if rightly, why hit Me?” 24 Then Annas sent Him, still tied up, to Caiaphas, the kohen gadol.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- John 18:1 cf. 2 Sam. 15:23.
- John 18:9 Similar to Jn. 6:39; 17:12.
John 18:1-24
English Standard Version
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
18 When Jesus had spoken these words, (A)he went out with his disciples across (B)the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew (C)the place, for (D)Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 (E)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, (F)knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, (G)“Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 (H)When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, (I)“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 (J)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, (K)having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant[c] and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; (L)shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews[d] arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they (M)led him to (N)Annas, for he was the father-in-law of (O)Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews (P)that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
Peter Denies Jesus
15 (Q)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 (R)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 (S)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[e] and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. (T)Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
The High Priest Questions Jesus
19 (U)The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken (V)openly (W)to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. (X)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, (Y)“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 (Z)Annas then sent him bound to (AA)Caiaphas the high priest.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- John 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8
- John 18:6 Greek he
- John 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse
- John 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38
- John 18:18 Or bondservants; also verse 26
John 18:1-24
The Message
Seized in the Garden at Night
18 Jesus, having prayed this prayer, left with his disciples and crossed over the brook Kidron at a place where there was a garden. He and his disciples entered it.
2-4 Judas, his betrayer, knew the place because Jesus and his disciples went there often. So Judas led the way to the garden, and the Roman soldiers and police sent by the high priests and Pharisees followed. They arrived there with lanterns and torches and swords. Jesus, knowing by now everything that was imploding on him, went out and met them. He said, “Who are you after?”
They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”
5-6 He said, “That’s me.” The soldiers recoiled, totally taken aback. Judas, his betrayer, stood out like a sore thumb.
7 Jesus asked again, “Who are you after?”
They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”
8-9 “I told you,” said Jesus, “that’s me. I’m the one. So if it’s me you’re after, let these others go.” (This validated the words in his prayer, “I didn’t lose one of those you gave.”)
10 Just then Simon Peter, who was carrying a sword, pulled it from its sheath and struck the Chief Priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Malchus was the servant’s name.
11 Jesus ordered Peter, “Put back your sword. Do you think for a minute I’m not going to drink this cup the Father gave me?”
12-14 Then the Roman soldiers under their commander, joined by the Jewish police, seized Jesus and tied him up. They took him first to Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the Chief Priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.
15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.
17 The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?”
He said, “No, I’m not.”
18 The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.
The Interrogation
19-21 Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly in public. I’ve taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I’ve said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a traitor? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard.”
22 When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, “How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!”
23 Jesus replied, “If I’ve said something wrong, prove it. But if I’ve spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?”
24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.
Read full chapterTree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson