Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?The plain truth Jesus had spoken to Annas was the only defense such words needed; but the hour of darkness had arrived, and the Son of God was delivered into the hands of lawless men. read more
John 18:22-23. One of the officers—struck Jesus— As the word ραπισμα is supposed by many etymologists to be derived from ραβδος, a staff, or stick, Beza would therefore render the passage, he smote Jesus with a staff. But the word is apparently used for any blow, and would most literally be rendered, gave Jesus a blow; though from Mat 5:39 one would be apt to interpret it in the sense which our translators have given it. Suidas also explains it in the same sense. The meaning of Joh 18:23... read more
23. If I have spoken, &c.—"if I spoke" evil, in reply to the high priest. (Also see on :-.) if well—He does not say "If not" evil, as if His reply were merely unobjectionable: "well" seems to challenge more than this as due to His remonstrance This shows that :- is not to be taken to the letter. read more
B. Jesus’ religious trial 18:12-27John is the only evangelist who recorded Jesus’ interrogation by Annas. It was preliminary to His appearance before Caiaphas and then before the Sanhedrin (John 18:24).Jesus’ Religious TrialMatthewMarkLukeJohnBefore AnnasJohn 18:12-14; John 18:19-24Before CaiaphasMatthew 26:57-68Mark 14:53-65Luke 22:54; Luke 22:63-65Before the SanhedrinMatthew 27:1Mark 15:1Luke 22:66-71Jesus’ Civil TrialBefore PilateMatthew 27:2; Matthew 27:11-14Mark 15:1-5Luke 23:1-5John... read more
3. Annas’ interrogation of Jesus 18:19-24John’s version of Peter’s denial is quite similar to those of the other Gospel writers, but His revelation of Jesus’ interrogation by Annas is unique. None of the other evangelists mentioned it. read more
The officer (Gr. hypereton) who struck Jesus was probably one of the Jewish temple police (cf. John 18:3). He interpreted Jesus’ response as discourteous and used it as an excuse to strike Him. The Greek word rhapisma translated "blow" (NASB) means a sharp blow with the palm of the hand. Jesus’ response to this attack was logical rather than emotional or physical. He simply appealed for a fair trial (cf. Acts 23:2-5). The man who stuck Him was not treating Him fairly. This was a case of police... read more
Christ Before Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate1-14. Christ’s arrest and trial before Annas (cp. Matthew 26:30 = Mark 14:26 = Luke 22:39). The narrative is now parallel with the synoptic account, with which, though obviously independent, it closely agrees. Our Lord’s agony in the garden is omitted as well known, but it is alluded to (John 18:11), and the evangelist elsewhere uses language quite as definite as that of the synoptists in speaking of His agony of mind at the prospect of death (John... read more
(23) Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil.—Comp. Note on Matthew 5:39.Bear witness of the evil.—That is,” Produce the evidence which the law requires.” read more
The Candour of Christ John 18:20 Among the attributes of our Redeemer's speech one which arrests attention is its candour. In our text our Lord lays claim to a great openness, and it is a claim which cannot be disputed. Of course this candour of our Lord and Master was always at the service of His love. It was the instrument of a pure and perfect sympathy which knew that there were seasons to be silent. We may trace this candour of our Lord in many spheres. I. In His treatment of those who... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 18:23
have spoken = spoke. evil = evilly. Greek. kakos, adverb of kakos ( App-128 .) in next clause. smitest . Greek. dero. Occurs fifteen times. Translated "beat" except here, Luke 22:63 , and 2 Corinthians 11:20 . It has been alleged against the Lord that He did not carry out His own precept in Matthew 5:39 . But those words were spoken during the first part of His ministry, when the kingdom was being proclaimed. See App-119 . This was when the kingdom had been rejected, and the King was... read more