FocusJesus' authority and the cup
Connection to the wholeJesus meets those who come for Him and restrains Peter, accepting the cup given by His Father.
interpretation John 18:1
KJVWhen 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.
Read it in context
The Arrest and Initial Trials of Jesus
Start reading at John 18:1 (John 18:1 to John 18:40).
This unit describes Jesus' arrest in the garden and His subsequent initial trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate.
- 18:1 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.
- 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.
- 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
- 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
- 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
- 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
- 18:7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
- 18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
- 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
- 18:10 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.
- 18:11 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?
- 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
- 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
- 18:14 Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
- 18:15 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.
- 18:16 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.
- 18:17 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.
- 18:18 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.
- 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
- 18:20 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.
- 18:21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
- 18:22 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?
- 18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
- 18:24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
- 18:25 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.
- 18:26 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?
- 18:27 Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
- 18:28 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.
- 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?
- 18:30 They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.
- 18:31 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:
- 18:32 That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.
- 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
- 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
- 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
- 18:36 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.
- 18:37 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.
- 18:38 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.
- 18:39 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?
- 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 18:1–18:40): Jesus, His disciples, Judas, the arresting officers, Annas, the high priest's household, Peter, and Pilate appear in successive arrest and hearing scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus and His disciples cross the brook Cedron to a garden, immediately before His betrayal and arrest.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus' intentional movement towards His arrest and passion, demonstrating His full knowledge of what was to come and His submission to the Father's plan.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative, presenting a historical account of Jesus' actions.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 85 to 95.
- When does the event take place? Approximately A.D. 30, on the night of Jesus' betrayal, immediately following His final discourse with His disciples and preceding His arrest.
Where
- Where did it happen? Over the brook Cedron, in a garden (traditionally Gethsemane), near Jerusalem.
- Where was the author located? Ephesus (traditional).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Arrest and Initial Trials of Jesus (John 18:1 to John 18:40). Start reading at John 18:1. This unit describes Jesus' arrest in the garden and His subsequent initial trials before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks the pivotal transition from Jesus' final discourses and prayers with His disciples (John 13-17) to the commencement of His passion narrative, beginning with His voluntary movement towards His betrayal and arrest. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus' deliberate action of going to the garden, knowing it was the place of His impending betrayal and arrest, highlights His sovereign control and willing submission to the Father's plan for redemption. He willingly offers Himself as the sacrifice for sin. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers are called to follow Christ's example of obedience to God's will, even when it leads to difficult or painful circumstances, trusting in God's sovereign plan and purpose. interpretation
Cited: John 18:1, John 18:4, John 18:11, John 13:31-35, John 14:1-17
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Other accounts of this event
The arrest of Jesus
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- spoken John 13:31-35 John 14:1-17
- he John 14:31 Matt 26:36 Mark 14:32 Luke 22:39-40
- the brook 2 Sam 15:23 1 Kgs 15:13 2 Kgs 23:6,12 2 Chr 15:16 2 Chr 30:14 Jer 31:40
- Kidron John 18:26 Gen 2:15 Gen 3:23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 18
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
Questioning and denial
John 18:15–27FocusJesus' testimony and Peter's failure
Connection to the wholeThe interwoven scenes contrast Jesus' open account of His teaching with Peter's repeated denial of association with Him.
interpretation Before Pilate
John 18:28–40FocusKingship and truth
Connection to the wholeThe trial moves to the governor, where Jesus explains the character of His kingdom and bears witness to truth.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.