John 18:19

KJV

The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.

KJV (with Strong's)

The high priest {G749} then {G3767} asked {G2065} Jesus {G2424} of {G4012} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, and {G2532} of {G4012} his {G846} doctrine {G1322}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen hagadol questioned Yeshua about his talmidim and about what he taught.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.

American Standard Version

The high priest therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the narrative pivots to the initial, unofficial interrogation of Jesus by Annas, the former high priest and influential father-in-law of the current high priest, Caiaphas. This verse encapsulates the core concerns of the religious authorities, revealing their immediate focus on Jesus' followers and the content of His teaching. It sets the stage for the formal trials, highlighting the perceived threats Jesus posed to the established religious and political order through His growing movement and revolutionary doctrine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, a dramatic betrayal and capture detailed in [John 18:1-12](/john/18-1-12 "John 18:1-12 - Jesus' Arrest in Gethsemane"). Following His apprehension, Jesus is not taken directly to the official Sanhedrin but is first led to Annas, as specified in [John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas"). This preliminary questioning by Annas serves as an informal pre-trial inquiry, likely an attempt to extract information or a confession before Jesus is brought before the full council under Caiaphas, as indicated by [John 18:24](/john/18-24 "John 18:24 - Jesus Sent to Caiaphas"). The interrogation in [John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas Questions Jesus") and Jesus' subsequent response in [John 18:20-21](/john/18-20-21 "John 18:20-21 - Jesus' Public Teaching") directly precede Peter's second and third denials, creating a stark contrast between Jesus' steadfastness and Peter's wavering faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Annas, though officially deposed by the Romans years earlier, maintained immense power and influence as the patriarch of a priestly dynasty, with five of his sons and his son-in-law (Caiaphas) serving as high priests. This informal questioning at his residence underscores his enduring authority and the irregular nature of the proceedings against Jesus. In first-century Judea under Roman occupation, any popular movement with a charismatic leader and a large following (disciples) was viewed with suspicion by both Jewish and Roman authorities, as it could easily ignite rebellion. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court, was keen to suppress any perceived threat to their delicate balance of power with Rome. Furthermore, the "doctrine" of a teacher was paramount in Jewish society; deviations from accepted tradition or claims of new divine revelation could be deemed heresy, punishable by death. The high priest's questions were therefore designed to ascertain if Jesus was a political revolutionary or a religious heretic, both of which carried severe consequences.

* **Key Themes:** The interrogation in [John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas's Interrogation") contributes to several major themes within John's Gospel and the broader Passion narrative. One prominent theme is the **clash of authorities**, pitting the corrupt religious power structure against the divine authority of Jesus. Annas's attempt to control the narrative and condemn Jesus highlights the deep-seated fear among the Jewish leadership regarding Jesus' growing influence and the challenge He posed to their established order, as seen throughout [John 7](/john/7 "John 7 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles") and [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"). Another theme is the **nature of Jesus' kingdom and ministry**. The high priest's questions about "disciples" and "doctrine" reflect a worldly concern for political and religious control, contrasting sharply with Jesus' later declaration to Pilate that His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Finally, the verse underscores the central importance of **discipleship and sound doctrine** in the Christian faith. The authorities correctly identified these as the pillars of Jesus' movement, demonstrating that a leader's followers and teachings are crucial indicators of their mission and impact.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** Refers to Annas, who, though no longer the official high priest, retained the title and immense influence due to his previous office and his family's control of the high priesthood. This highlights the irregular and politically motivated nature of Jesus' initial interrogation, as Annas sought to leverage his enduring power to secure a conviction. His position underscores the official, yet corrupt, religious authority confronting Jesus.
* **asked (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** This verb signifies an interrogation or a request. In this context, it denotes a formal questioning by an authority figure seeking information. The high priest's "asking" was not an innocent inquiry but a probing investigation designed to elicit incriminating evidence against Jesus, revealing the adversarial nature of the encounter from the outset.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Literally meaning "learner" or "pupil," this term refers to Jesus' followers. The high priest's inquiry about them indicates a concern over the size and potential revolutionary nature of Jesus' movement. A large group of devoted followers could be perceived as a political threat, especially in a region under Roman occupation, suggesting the authorities feared a popular uprising.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** Derived from the verb "to teach," this word refers to instruction, teaching, or the body of teachings. The high priest's interest in Jesus' doctrine reveals a concern about the content of His message—whether it was orthodox or heretical, challenging established Jewish law and tradition. This highlights the theological dimension of the charges against Jesus, focusing on the perceived threat of His teachings to the religious status quo.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The high priest then asked Jesus":** This phrase identifies Annas as the interrogator, emphasizing his significant, albeit unofficial, role in the proceedings. The word "then" (οὖν, _oûn_) indicates a logical progression, connecting this questioning to Jesus' immediate arrival at Annas's house after His arrest. Annas's initiative in questioning Jesus before He was brought to Caiaphas or the full Sanhedrin underscores his desire to control the narrative and gather initial information.
* **"of his disciples":** This part of the question reveals the high priest's concern about Jesus' following. The authorities were wary of any large group of followers, fearing they might constitute a political movement or rebellion against Roman rule, or at least a disruption to the fragile peace maintained by the Jewish leadership. This line of questioning aimed to ascertain the potential for public unrest or the formation of a rival power structure.
* **"and of his doctrine":** This second part of the question focuses on the content of Jesus' teaching. The religious leaders were deeply concerned that Jesus' message might be heretical, challenging the Law, the prophets, or their interpretations of tradition. They sought to determine if His teachings were blasphemous or subversive to the established religious order, providing grounds for a religious condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices in [John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas Questions Jesus"). The primary device is **Interrogation**, which structures the interaction and immediately establishes a confrontational tone. The questions themselves are loaded, designed not for understanding but for accusation, setting the stage for the unjust trials that follow. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this initial, informal questioning by Annas anticipates the more formal and equally biased interrogations by Caiaphas and Pilate, hinting at the predetermined outcome of Jesus' condemnation. Furthermore, the verse presents a subtle **Contrast** between the worldly, politically charged concerns of the high priest (disciples as a potential army, doctrine as a political manifesto) and the spiritual, truth-focused nature of Jesus' actual ministry, which He clarifies in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The interrogation of Jesus by Annas in [John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas Interrogates Jesus") is deeply significant, highlighting the inherent tension between human authority and divine truth. The high priest's questions about Jesus' disciples and doctrine reveal the world's preoccupation with power, control, and outward conformity, contrasting sharply with Jesus' kingdom, which is founded on truth and spiritual transformation. This encounter underscores that genuine faith involves both following Jesus (discipleship) and adhering to His teachings (doctrine), elements that are consistently scrutinized by those who oppose the Kingdom of God. It serves as a stark reminder that the world often misunderstands or intentionally misrepresents the nature of Christ's movement, perceiving spiritual truth as a political threat.

* [John 7:16-17](/john/7-16-17 "John 7:16-17 - Jesus' Teaching is from God"): Jesus affirms that His doctrine is not His own but from God, emphasizing its divine origin and authority.
* [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority in Teaching"): The crowds were astonished at Jesus' teaching because He taught with authority, not as their scribes, underscoring the unique power of His doctrine.
* [Acts 5:28](/acts/5-28 "Acts 5:28 - Apostles Forbidden to Teach in Jesus' Name"): The Sanhedrin later forbids the apostles from teaching in Jesus' name, demonstrating the continued threat they perceived from His doctrine and the growth of His disciples.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas Questions Jesus") invites profound reflection on the nature of our own faith and its expression in the world. Just as Jesus was interrogated about His followers and His teachings, believers today are often called to articulate their faith, facing scrutiny from a skeptical or hostile world. This demands a deep understanding of Christ's "doctrine"—not merely intellectual assent to theological concepts, but a comprehensive grasp of His life, words, and redemptive work. Our discipleship, too, is under observation; the world watches how we live out our commitment to Christ. This verse challenges us to consider whether our lives genuinely reflect the teachings we profess and whether our "discipleship" is merely nominal or a transformative commitment that impacts our actions and allegiances. It prompts us to embrace transparency in our faith, modeling Jesus' public ministry, even when it leads to opposition or discomfort, trusting that truth will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How well do I understand the "doctrine" of Christ, and how does it shape my daily life and worldview?**
* **In what ways does my "discipleship" to Jesus manifest itself publicly, and am I prepared for the scrutiny or opposition that may arise?**
* **How can I more effectively articulate the core tenets of my faith when questioned or challenged by others?**
* **What aspects of Jesus' teachings might be considered "threatening" or "revolutionary" by contemporary society, and how should I respond?**

### FAQ
**Who was "the high priest" mentioned in John 18:19?**

Answer: The "high priest" referred to in [John 18:19](/john/18-19 "John 18:19 - Annas Interrogates Jesus") was Annas. Although he had been deposed by the Roman procurator Valerius Gratus in A.D. 15, Annas remained an incredibly powerful and influential figure in Jewish religious and political life. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the acting high priest at the time of Jesus' trial ([John 18:13](/john/18-13 "John 18:13 - Jesus Led to Annas")). Jesus was brought to Annas first for an unofficial, preliminary interrogation before being sent to Caiaphas and the full Sanhedrin. This highlights Annas's enduring authority and his desire to control the initial stages of the proceedings against Jesus.

**Why were Jesus' "disciples" and "doctrine" of such concern to the high priest?**

Answer: The high priest's questions about Jesus' "disciples" and "doctrine" were rooted in both political and religious anxieties. Regarding His "disciples," the Jewish authorities feared that Jesus' large following could constitute a revolutionary movement against Roman rule, potentially leading to Roman intervention and the loss of their own power ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "John 11:48 - Sanhedrin's Fear of Roman Intervention")). A charismatic leader with many followers was a direct threat to the established order. As for His "doctrine," they were concerned that Jesus' teachings were heretical or blasphemous, challenging their traditional interpretations of the Law and the prophets. They sought to find grounds to condemn Him as a false prophet or a religious subversive, thereby maintaining their theological authority and control over the populace. Essentially, they viewed both His movement and His message as direct threats to their religious and political stability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The interrogation of Jesus by Annas concerning His disciples and doctrine, though intended to condemn Him, ultimately serves to highlight the unique nature of Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus, the ultimate Teacher, stood before a corrupt religious authority, embodying the very truth they sought to suppress. His "doctrine" was not merely a collection of teachings but the revelation of God's character and plan, culminating in His own identity as the Son of God and the way to eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The high priest's fear of Jesus' "disciples" underscored the spiritual revolution Jesus inaugurated, a kingdom not of earthly armies but of transformed hearts ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). In His willingness to submit to this unjust inquiry, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the prophetic suffering servant who would be "oppressed and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")). His steadfastness in the face of false accusations and His subsequent silence before His accusers ([Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12-14 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus Before Pilate")) demonstrated His perfect obedience to the Father's will, paving the way for the ultimate sacrifice that would redeem His true disciples and establish His eternal doctrine in the hearts of all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 20:20

¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Matthew 26:59

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

Matthew 26:68

Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?

Luke 22:63

¶ And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him].

Luke 22:71

And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

Mark 14:55

And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

Mark 14:65

And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.