John 18:37-38

The Pulpit Commentary - John 18:38

No crime in Christ. Pilate's language and conduct furnish us with an example of the way in which weak and unprincipled men are wont to allow themselves to be guided by the expected consequences of their actions, instead of referring those actions to principles and laws by which they might decide what is the right course to follow. Often, as in the case of Pilate, where the results of actions are more regarded than their standards, men's convictions lead in one direction, whilst their... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 18:37

Art thou a king then? - Dost thou admit the charge in any sense, or dost thou lay claim to a kingdom of any kind?Thou sayest ... - This is a form of expression denoting affirmation. It is equivalent to yes.That I am a king - This does not mean simply that Pilate affirmed that he was a king; it does not appear that he had done this; but it means, “Thou affirmest the truth; thou declarest what is correct, for I am a king.” I am a king in a certain sense, and do not deny it.To this end ... -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - John 18:38

What is truth? - This question was probably asked in contempt, and hence Jesus did not answer it. Had the question been sincere, and had Pilate really sought it as Nicodemus had done John 3:0, Jesus would not have hesitated to explain to him the nature of his kingdom. They were now alone in the judgment-hall John 18:33, and as soon as Pilate had asked the question, without waiting for an answer, he went out. It is evident that he was satisfied, from the answer of Jesus John 18:36-37, that he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - John 18:33-40

John 18:33-40. Then Pilate entered into the judgment-hall again See the note on Matthew 27:11. It seems, as the governor had heard an honourable report of Jesus, and observed in his silence, under the accusations brought against him, an air of meek majesty and greatness of spirit, rather than any consciousness of guilt, or any indication of a fierce contempt, he was willing to discourse with him more privately before he proceeded further. He therefore called Jesus, and said, Art thou the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - John 18:28-38

155. Before Pilate and Herod (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-12; John 18:28-38)Pilate, the governor of the area, usually lived in the provincial capital Caesarea, but he came to Jerusalem during Jewish festivals to help maintain order. His official residence and administration centre in Jerusalem was called the praetorium. The Jewish leaders, wanting to have Jesus dealt with and out of the way before the festival started, took him to Pilate early in the morning (Luke 23:1; John... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 18:37

Art thou a king then? = Is it not then (Greek. oukoun. Occurs only here) that Thou art a king? or, So then a king Thou art? To this end = To (Greek. eis. App-104 .) this, i.e. for this purpose. for this cause . Exactly the same words, eis touto, as in previous clause. bear witness = testify. Greek. martureo. See on John 1:7 , the truth . See on John 14:6 , and p. 1511. My voice . See John 8:47 ; John 10:3 , John 10:4 , John 10:16 , John 10:27 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - John 18:38

What is truth? The question of many a man. Pilate was not "jesting", as Lord Bacon says. He was doubtless sick of the various philosophies and religions which contended for acceptance. no . Greek oudeis. fault. Greek aitia (compare aiteo, App-134 .), a charge, accusation; hence a ground of charge. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - John 18:37

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.Pilate did not understand what Jesus meant, but one thing was crystal clear: here was no seditionist.Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice ... This had its personal application to Pilate, who was not of the truth. His... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - John 18:38

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in him.Thus, Pilate terminated the interview, not waiting for a reply. He needed no reply, because the truth was of no particular concern to him. He was far more interested in what was politically expedient. This, of course, was exactly the attitude of Caiaphas (John 11:50); and both Pilate and Jesus' foes stood on that principle together, political expediency... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - John 18:37

John 18:37. Thou sayest that I am a king.— Some would read this, Thou sayest [the truth]: For I am a king. "I came into the world for this end; that by explaining and proving the truth in general, and this great and fundamental branch of it in particular, Imight impress it upon men's consciences, and make them obedient to its laws. In this consisteth my kingdom; and all the lovers of truth obey me, and are my subjects." What our Lord here says incidentally, is to be regarded as an universal... read more

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