A.T. Robertson Commentary John 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." — John 18:36 (ASV)

My kingdom (η βασιλεια η εμη). Christ claims to be king to Pilate, but of a peculiar kingdom. For "world" (κοσμου) see 17:13-18.

My servants (ο υπηρετα ο εμο). For the word see verse 3 where it means the temple police or guards (literally, under-rowers). In the LXX always (Proverbs 14:35; Isaiah 32:5; Daniel 3:46) officers of a king as here. Christ then had only a small band of despised followers who could not fight against Caesar. Was he alluding also to legions of angels on his side? (Matthew 26:56).

Would fight (ηγωνιζοντο αν). Imperfect middle of αγωνιζομα common verb (only here in John, but see 1 Corinthians 9:25) from αγων (contest) with αν, a conclusion of the secondclass condition (assumed as untrue). Christians should never forget the profound truth stated here by Jesus.

That I should not be delivered (ινα μη παραδοθω). Negative final clause with ινα μη and first aorist passive subjunctive of παραδιδωμ (see verses 28,36). Jesus expects Pilate to surrender to the Jews.

But now (νυν δε). In contrast to the condition already stated as in 8:40; 9:41; 15:22,24.