Bible Chapter Summary
John 18 Summary
Betrayal, Trial, and Denial
After speaking words of farewell, Jesus and His disciples cross the brook Cedron to a garden. Judas arrives with soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, and when Jesus declares "I am He," all fall backward to the ground. Peter strikes the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear, but Jesus rebukes him, drinking the cup given by His Father. Taken to the high priest Annas first and then to Caiaphas, Jesus is questioned concerning His disciples and doctrine. Peter, warming himself by a fire, denies three times that he knows Jesus, and the cock crows on his third denial. Brought before Pilate, Jesus claims His kingdom is not of this world and testifies that He came to bear witness to the truth. When Pilate finds no fault in Him and offers to release the King of the Jews according to custom, the Jews cry out for Barabbas instead.
Key themes
Key verses
John 18:4-6
“Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?”
John 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?”
John 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.”
John 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.”
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