John 18:19

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

In John 18:19, we find Jesus undergoing an initial, informal interrogation by Annas, the former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the acting high priest. This verse sets the stage for the religious and legal proceedings against Jesus, highlighting the focus of the authorities' concern: His followers and His teachings.

Context

Following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was first led to Annas. This preliminary questioning was likely an attempt to gather information or elicit a confession before Jesus was officially brought before the Sanhedrin under Caiaphas. The high priest's questions about Jesus' "disciples" and "doctrine" were critical. They aimed to determine if Jesus was leading a revolutionary movement (implied by "disciples") or spreading heretical teachings that challenged the established religious order (implied by "doctrine"). This interrogation was designed to find grounds for accusation.

Key Themes

  • Authority Challenged: The questions posed by the high priest reveal the deep concern of the Jewish religious leadership over Jesus' growing influence. They perceived Him as a threat to their authority and the prevailing religious system.
  • The Nature of Jesus' Ministry: The high priest sought to understand the scope and intent of Jesus' work. Was it a political uprising or a spiritual movement? Jesus' subsequent answers (in John 18:20 and 21) affirm that His ministry was public and focused on truth, not clandestine rebellion.
  • Discipleship and Doctrine: These two elements are central to any spiritual movement. The high priest's inquiry underscores that what a leader teaches (doctrine) and who follows them (disciples) are crucial indicators of their mission and potential impact.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "doctrine" comes from the Greek word didachē (διδαχή), which broadly means "teaching" or "instruction." It encompasses not just abstract theological concepts but the entire body of Christ's teachings, including His moral precepts, parables, and revelations about the Kingdom of God and His own identity. The high priest was essentially asking, "What exactly are you teaching, and what are you instructing your followers to do?"

Practical Application

For believers today, John 18:19 highlights several important points:

  • Accountability for Beliefs: Just as Jesus was questioned about His doctrine, believers are often called to articulate what they believe and why. Understanding the "doctrine" of Christ is fundamental to Christian faith.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: The high priest's interest in Jesus' "disciples" reminds us that following Christ has real-world implications and can sometimes lead to scrutiny or opposition. True discipleship involves commitment to Jesus' person and His teachings.
  • Truth in the Open: Jesus' ministry was not hidden. He taught publicly in the Temple and synagogues. This transparency serves as a model for how the Gospel should be proclaimed—openly and without deception, even when facing hostility.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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