John 18: Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested

New Testament: Student Study guide, (2003), 90

John’s record is silent about Jesus’ suffering in Gethsemane. But it does provide important insights into Jesus’ arrest, His trial before Pilate, and Peter’s denial. It is also the only gospel that records Jesus’ trial before Annas (see John 18:19–24). Though it might appear that freedom and life were taken from Jesus, John testified that He knew “all things that should come upon him” (John 18:4). As you read the last chapters of John’s testimony, try to picture the events in your mind. Imagine you were there, and think about how you might have felt as you watched.

Other Accounts of What You Read in John 18

John 18:1–16—Matthew 26:47–58; Mark 14:43–54; Luke 22:47–55

John 18:17–18, 25–27—Matthew 26:69–75; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:56–62

John 18:28–38—Matthew 27:2, 11–14; Mark 15:1–5; Luke 23:1–7

John 18:39–40—Matthew 27:15–23; Mark 15:6–14; Luke 23:13–22

Understanding the Scriptures

John 18

Resorted, resort (vv. 2, 20)Met, meet 
Expedient (v. 14)Necessary 
Kinsman (v. 26)Relative 
Cock (v. 27)Rooster 
Malefactor (v. 30)Criminal 

John 18:2–13—Judas Leads a Band of Armed Men to Capture Jesus

While the other writers of the Gospels indicated that a “multitude” followed Judas to Gethsemane to capture Jesus, only John recorded that it was “a band of men.” Elder Bruce R. McConkie suggested that “a band consisted of some six hundred Roman soldiers with a tribune at their head. The Roman overlords were taking no chance on an uproar during the week of the Passover” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:781).

John 18:39–40—Barabbas

See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Luke 23:18 (p. 73).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study John 18.

Activity A iconWrite a Newspaper Report

Read John 18:1–13 as if you were a reporter for a local newspaper. Write a news article using the following questions as a guideline:

  1. 1.

    What headline would you use to catch the eye of readers?

  2. 2.

    In what way was the Savior in control of the situation?

  3. 3.

    What do you want your readers to know about this event?