John 18 - NIV Quest Study Bible

See Matthew 26:47 – 56Mark 14:43 – 50Luke 22:47 – 53.The soldiers, although they were trained to expect violence and physical force, were evidently caught off guard and struck by the power of Jesus’ words and courage (7:45 – 46). But that alone doesn’t explain why they fell to the ground. Somehow the divine authority and power of Jesus was revealed to these armed men, causing them to fall down in fear, panic or awe.The disciples had misunderstood Jesus when he had warned them earlier about the changes that would soon be coming (Lk 22:36). Jesus had previously sent them out to do ministry without a purse or bag or sandals (Lk 10:4). But hostility had developed against Jesus and his followers, and Jesus’ departure from them meant that their circumstances would change. They would now need a purse, bag and sword. Peter, who did not understand that Jesus had to suffer and die (Mt 16:21 – 23), wrongly concluded that he needed to have a sword in order to protect Jesus.Matthew’s Gospel records Jesus’ appearance before the high priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin in Matthew 26:57 – 68.This was a preliminary investigation done in preparation for the interrogation Jesus would face before the Sanhedrin. At one time Annas had been the high priest. But although the Romans deposed him in AD 15, he retained the power behind the office. He was succeeded first by a son, then by his son-in-law, Caiaphas, and later by three more sons. History tells us that Annas was wealthy, ambitious and crafty. The Jews saw him as the ruling authority alongside his son-in-law.While we cannot know for sure this disciple’s identity, most believe John was here making another anonymous reference to himself (cf. 13:23). It was a mark of honor and prestige to know the high priest on a personal basis, so this may be a display of humility in John’s writing.See Matthew 26:69 – 70Mark 14:66 – 68Luke 22:55 – 57.See Matthew 26:59 – 68Mark 14:55 – 65Luke 22:63 – 71.See Matthew 26:71 – 75Mark 14:69 – 72Luke 22:58 – 62.The Jews considered Gentile dwellings unclean — even a governor’s palace. According to the law, to enter it would defile them for seven days and disqualify them from eating the Passover. See What was involved in ceremonial cleansing? (11:55). Ironically, while they were trying to avoid ceremonial uncleanness, they were plotting to murder the Son of God.See Matthew 27:11 – 18,20 – 23; Mark 15:2 – 15Luke 23:2 – 3,18 – 25.The Jews apparently were permitted to stone those guilty of violating Jewish religious laws (Ac 7:57 – 59). But the Jewish leaders were unwilling to risk being blamed for Jesus’ death because of his popularity with the crowds who supported him. The leaders wanted to avoid angering the many people gathered for the Passover festival, so they sought a Roman conviction for a political crime so the blame would lay with the Roman authorities. The Jews probably hoped to have the Romans execute Jesus in the Romans’ distinct way — by crucifixion. See Why didn’t the Jewish leaders deal with Jesus themselves? (Mk 15:1).The Roman government was particularly sensitive to subversive elements in society that could undermine their base of power. Anyone who claimed to be a leader or a king was a potential threat. Jesus had been accused of rebelling against Rome and opposing payment of taxes to Caesar (Lk 23:1 – 2). It was only natural for Pilate to probe Jesus’ political aspirations. Pilate’s use of the phrase was a warning to those who might consider rebelling against Rome. See Why wasn’t Pilate bothered by Jesus’ claim to be the king of the Jews? (Lk 23:3 – 4).Barabbas was a well-known prisoner (Mt 27:16) who was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising (Mk 15:7). Today, he might be considered a terrorist — someone who murders and stirs up social unrest for a political purpose. The crowd may have viewed him as a hero because his crimes were directed at the Roman authorities.