Trial Before Annas
December 31, 2022
Commentary
It is evident that two of Jesus’ disciples had followed the Lord and His enemies across the Kidron Valley into the city of Jerusalem and into the courtyard of the High Priest. One of these disciples was Simon Peter and the other one is unknown. Many think it was John (v. 15). It has been suggested that John’s father was in the salt fish business and that he supplied fish to the household of the High Priest. If this is true, John would have been known to the High Priest and his servants. Peter stayed near the gate and denied that he knew Jesus (vv. 16-18).
Annas had served as high priest but was thrown out of office by the Romans and now his son-in-law Caiaphas was the high priest. This means that the trial before Annas was illegal, and it proved to be very brutal. Annas was looking for something for which to convict Jesus. He questioned Him as to His doctrine (v. 19). Jesus responded that He had nothing to hide and that He had taught publicly in the synagogues and in public places (v. 20).
Jesus refused to be a witness against Himself and instead He asked Annas to produce witnesses who could testify as to His teaching (v. 21). Jewish law demanded that witnesses be called before a prisoner was questioned. Annas defied this law, which made the trial illegal. While Jesus was still tied up, one of the Temple police struck him (vv. 22-23). Since Annas could prove no wrong in Jesus, He sent him to Caiaphas (v. 24).
It was only a short time until Peter denied his Lord three times (vv. 25-27). The big difference between Peter and Judas was that Peter wept over his sins and repented, while Judas admitted his sins but never really repented. Judas expressed remorse, not repentance. It was the difference between godly sorrow that leads to repentance, and the sorrow of the world that leads to death.
Application
Can I think of some times when it was very difficult for me to admit that I was a Christian? I want to be bolder for the Lord in my witness. I know that this will only happen as I allow Him to live in me and through me. My greatest memories in this life are when I have had an opportunity to share the plan to salvation with someone and see them trust Christ as their Savior.
John 18:15– 27 (NET)
15 Simon Peter and another disciple followed them as they brought Jesus to Annas. (Now the other disciple was acquainted with the high priest, and he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.) 16 But Peter was left standing outside by the door. So the other disciple who was acquainted with the high priest came out and spoke to the slave girl who watched the door, and brought Peter inside. 17 The girl who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “You’re not one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.” 18 (Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire they had made, warming themselves because it was cold. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.)
19 While this was happening, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20 Jesus replied, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple courts, where all the Jewish people assemble together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said. They know what I said.” 22 When Jesus had said this, one of the high priest’s officers who stood nearby struck him on the face and said, “Is that the way you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus replied, “If I have said something wrong, confirm what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why strike me?” 24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to Caiaphas the high priest.
25 Meanwhile Simon Peter was standing in the courtyard warming himself. They said to him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” Peter denied it: “I am not!” 26 One of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the orchard with him?” 27 Then Peter denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.