Commentaries on Gospel Events
Examined by Annas
Spring A. D. 30
Friday
Jerusalem
Very confusing. Who is asking Jesus the first question? The father-in-law Annas or Caiaphas the high priest? Seems clear it is Caiaphas, but then the visit to Annas seems to have no point.
It does seem likely that John is "that disciple known unto the high priest". Of the four Gospel writers, he should have had the best chance to give a coherent account of the trials but it was necessary for the preparation of my "harmony" to rearrange John 18:15-18.
Maybe the "harmony" preparers wanted mainly to give cohesion to Peter's three denials.
John
Joh 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,Joh 18:13
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.Joh 18:14
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
Joh 18:19
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Joh 18:20
Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Joh 18:21
Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.Joh 18:22
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Joh 18:23
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?