Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 18:32

"that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying by what manner of death he should die." — John 18:32 (ASV)

The introduction of Roman action at this point ensured death by crucifixion, if the Jews could persuade Pilate to render a verdict against Jesus. Jewish capital punishment was inflicted by stoning; but a Roman crucifixion would place Jesus under the curse of God (cf. Galatians 3:13). His messianic claims would be discredited, and the rejection would be justified. The manner of death is explicitly connected with Jesus’ own prophecy (12:32–33). Ironically, the death that the Jewish hierarchy regarded as a final negation of Jesus’ claims became the means of justification apart from the law (Galatians 3:13).