18:1 where was a garden. As Jesus walked in the garden with His disciples, He perhaps remembered how, long ago, He had walked in His first garden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). Then, in a few hours, He would be buried in another garden (John 19:41-42). He had walked alone in the first garden, seeking His own, then had knelt alone in the second garden, praying for His own, and finally was buried in the third garden, dying for His own.

18:6 fell to the ground. This surprising reaction of the arresting party was probably occasioned by Jesus’ mien as He announced: “I am!” (the “he” is not in the original, as is evident from the use of italics in the King James translation). This was the divine title as announced by Jehovah to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14; see also John 8:58). Already aware of His many claims to deity (they were arresting Him because of that very fact!), they could sense momentarily that they were, indeed, in the presence of God.

18:10 having a sword. Peter had been among those who insisted on taking a sword (Luke 22:36-38) and impulsively used it at this point. However, Jesus miraculously healed the severed ear (Luke 22:51). Since only John records the servant’s name, one wonders whether the incident eventually led to this servant’s conversion, which John possibly may have learned of later.

18:13 Annas first. Evidently Annas had been high priest until a short time before (Luke 3:2), and still wielded much influence, essentially serving in a “co-regency” with his son-in-law. Note Acts 4:6.

18:15 another disciple. That other disciple, undoubtedly, was John himself, who seems to have preferred never to identify himself by name in his gospel. The fact that he was known to the high priest suggests that he was known to the various other members of the Jewish council, probably including Joseph and Nicodemus. One can at least surmise that he may have been instrumental in their conversion to faith in Christ. John may well have been with Jesus when Nicodemus first “came to Jesus by night” (John 3:2), and thus was able to record that notable conversation (John 3:1-21).

18:15 with Jesus. It is noteworthy that, at this point John was still “with Jesus,” while Peter elected to be “with them” outside (John 18:18)—that is, with the servants of the high priest.

18:32 what death. The Mosaic law had stipulated that blasphemy should be punished by stoning (Leviticus 24:16), but Jesus had predicted that He would be delivered to the Gentiles for crucifixion (Matthew 20:19).

18:38 What is truth. Philosophers have searched for truth all through the ages but, like Pilate, have never found it. Even in the last days, men will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Timothy 3:1,7). But for those who sincerely desire the truth, “the Spirit of Truth,” through “the Scripture of Truth” will lead them to the Lord Jesus, who is “the Truth” (John 15:26; Daniel 10:21; John 14:6).

18:38 no fault at all. The governor who condemned Jesus to death acknowledged that he, like all the others, could find no reason to fault him (see also John 19:4,6).