A.T. Robertson Commentary John 18
A.T. Robertson Commentary
John 18
A.T. Robertson Commentary
John 18
"When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which he entered, himself and his disciples." — John 18:1 (ASV)
With (συν). See 12:2 for another example of συν in John (common in Paul). The usual μετα reappears in verse 2.
Over (περαν). "Beyond," preposition with the ablative as in 6:22,25.
Brook (χειμαρρου). Old word, flowing (ροοσ, ρεω) in winter (χειμα), only here in N.T.
Kidron (τον Κεδρων). Literally, "of the Cedars," "Brook of the Cedars." Only here in N.T. So 2 Samuel 15:23. Textus Receptus like Josephus (Ant. VIII, 1, 5) has the singular του Κεδρων (indeclinable). As a matter of fact it was always dry save after a heavy rain.
A garden (κηπος). Old word, in N.T. only here, verse 26; 19:41 (Joseph's); Luke 13:19. John, like Luke, does not give the name Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36). The brook of the cedars had many unhallowed associations (1 Kings 2:37; 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Kings 23:4ff.; 2 Chronicles 29:16; Jeremiah 31:40).
"Now Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples." — John 18:2 (ASV)
Resorted thither (συνηχθη εκε). First aorist passive indicative of συναγω, old verb to gather together. A bit awkward here till you add "with his disciples." Judas knew the place, and the habit of Jesus to come here at night for prayer (Luke 22:39). Hence his offer to catch Jesus while the feast was going on, catch him at night and alone in his usual place of prayer (the very spirit of the devil).
"Judas then, having received the band [of soldiers], and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons." — John 18:3 (ASV)
The band of soldiers (την σπειραν). No word for "of soldiers" in the Greek, but the Latin spira (roll or ball) was used for a military cohort (Polybius 11, 23, 1) as in Mt 27:27; Acts 10:1, etc., here for a small band secured from the Tower of Antonia. The Synoptics do not mention the soldiers, but only the "officers" as here (υπηρετας for which see Mt 26:58; Mr 14:54,65) or temple police from the Sanhedrin.
Cometh (ερχετα). Dramatic historical present middle indicative.
With lanterns and torches (μετα φανων κα λαμπαδων). Both old words, φανος only here in N.T., λαμπας, an oil lamp (Matthew 25:1). It was full moon, but Judas took no chances for it may have been cloudy and there were dark places by the walls and under the olive trees. Μετα is accompanied with
and weapons (κα οπλων). Mark mentions "swords and staves." Probably the temple guard had weapons as well as the soldiers.
"Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?" — John 18:4 (ASV)
Knowing all the things that were coming upon him (ειδως παντα τα ερχομενα επ' αυτον). Mentioned already in Joh 13:1. He was not taken by surprise. The surrender and death of Jesus were voluntary acts, though the guilt of Judas and the rest remains.
"They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them." — John 18:5 (ASV)
Was standing (ιστηκε). Second past perfect active of ιστημ used as imperfect, a vivid picture of Judas in the very act of betraying Jesus. John does not mention the kiss by Judas as a sign to the soldiers and police. Tatian suggests that it came before verse 4. Then Jesus stepped forth and affirmed that he was the one whom they were seeking.
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