John 18:19-21

Jesus Questioned by Annas

18:19 While this was happening, ¹  the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. ²  18:20 Jesus replied, ³  “I have spoken publicly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues ⁴  and in the temple courts, ⁵  where all the Jewish people ⁶  assemble together. I ⁷  have said nothing in secret. 18:21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said. ⁸  They ⁹  know what I said.”

John 18:33-35

Pilate Questions Jesus

18:33 So Pilate went back into the governor’s residence, ¹⁰  summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ¹¹  18:34 Jesus replied, ¹²  “Are you saying this on your own initiative, ¹³  or have others told you about me?” 18:35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? ¹⁴  Your own people ¹⁵  and your chief priests handed you over ¹⁶  to me. What have you done?”

[18:19]  ¹ tn The introductory phrase “While this was happening” is not in the Greek text. It has been supplied in the translation to clarify the alternation of scenes in the narrative for the modern reader.

[18:19]  ² sn The nature of this hearing seems to be more that of a preliminary investigation; certainly normal legal procedure was not followed, for no indication is given that any witnesses were brought forth at this point to testify against Jesus. True to what is known of Annas’ character, he was more interested in Jesus’ disciples than in the precise nature of Jesus’ teaching, since he inquired about the followers first. He really wanted to know just how influential Jesus had become and how large a following he had gathered. This was of more concern to Annas that the truth or falsity of Jesus’ teaching.

[18:20]  ³ tn Grk “Jesus answered him.”

[18:20]  ⁴ sn See the note on synagogue in 6:59.

[18:20]  ⁵ tn Grk “in the temple.”

[18:20]  ⁶ tn Grk “the Jews.” Here the phrase refers to the Jewish people generally, for whom the synagogues and the temple courts in Jerusalem were important public gathering places. See also the note on the phrase “Jewish religious leaders” in v. 12.

[18:20]  ⁷ tn Grk “And I.” The conjunction καί (kai, “and”) has not been translated here in keeping with the tendency of contemporary English style to use shorter sentences.

[18:21]  ⁸ tn Grk “Ask those who heard what I said to them.” The words “to them” are not translated since they are redundant in English.

[18:21]  ⁹ tn Grk “Look, these know what I said.”

[18:33]  ¹⁰ tn Grk “into the praetorium.”

[18:33]  ¹¹ sn It is difficult to discern Pilate’s attitude when he asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Some have believed the remark to be sarcastic or incredulous as Pilate looked at this lowly and humble prisoner: “So you’re the king of the Jews, are you?” Others have thought the Roman governor to have been impressed by Jesus’ regal disposition and dignity, and to have sincerely asked, “Are you really the king of the Jews?” Since it will later become apparent (v. 38) that Pilate considered Jesus innocent (and therefore probably also harmless) an attitude of incredulity is perhaps most likely, but this is far from certain in the absence of clear contextual clues.

[18:34]  ¹² tn Grk “Jesus answered.”

[18:34]  ¹³ tn Grk “saying this from yourself.”

[18:35]  ¹⁴ sn Many have seen in Pilate’s reply “I am not a Jew, am I?” the Roman contempt for the Jewish people. Some of that may indeed be present, but strictly speaking, all Pilate affirms is that he, as a Roman, has no firsthand knowledge of Jewish custom or belief. What he knows of Jesus must have come from the Jewish authorities. They are the ones (your own people and your chief priests) who have handed Jesus over to Pilate.

[18:35]  ¹⁵ tn Or “your own nation.”

[18:35]  ¹⁶ tn Or “delivered you over.”