Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:22

"And when he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?" — John 18:22 (ASV)

Jesus’ answer impressed one of the captors as disrespectful to the high priest, and he struck Jesus in the face. The act was illegal. No sentence had been passed, and a prisoner was not subject to abuse, especially when uncondemned. In spite of Jesus’ protest, nothing was done; and he was sent bound to Caiaphas (possibly to another room in the same building). John writes nothing about the hearing before Caiaphas (Mark 14:53–65).