Charles Ellicott Commentary John 18:4

"Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon him, went forth, and saith unto them, Whom seek ye?" — John 18:4 (ASV)

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come (better, were coming) upon him.—Compare to Matthew 26:45.

Went forth, and said to them, Whom do you seek?—that is, probably, went forth from the garden itself. (Compare to Note on John 18:26.) Other possible interpretations are, “went forth from the depth of the garden;” or, “went forth from the circle of the disciples standing round;” or, “went forth from the shade of the tree into the moonlight.” For the word, compare to John 18:1 and Matthew 14:14. The kiss of Judas, mentioned in all the earlier Gospels, must be placed here between “went forth” and “said to them.”

For the question, compare to Matthew 26:50. Jesus will boldly face the danger, and direct it upon Himself, that the disciples may be saved from it (John 18:8).