John 18:2-23

2(Now Judas, the one who betrayed him, knew the place too, because Jesus had met there many times with his disciples.)

3So Judas obtained a squad of soldiers and some officers of the chief priests and Pharisees. They came to the orchard with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4Then Jesus, because he knew everything that was going to happen to him, came and asked them, “Who are you looking for?”

5They replied, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He told them, “I am he.” (Now Judas, the one who betrayed him, was standing there with them.)

6So when Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they retreated and fell to the ground.

7Then Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.”

8Jesus replied, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, let these men go.”

9He said this to fulfill the word he had spoken, “I have not lost a single one of those whom you gave me.”

10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, pulled it out and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear. (Now the slave’s name was Malchus.)

11But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath! Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

12Then the squad of soldiers with their commanding officer and the officers of the Jewish leaders arrested Jesus and tied him up.

13They brought him first to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.

14(Now it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jewish leaders that it was to their advantage that one man die for the people.)

15Simon 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.)

16But Simon 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.

17The 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.)

19While this was happening, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching.

20Jesus 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.

21Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said. They know what I said.”

22When 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?”

23Jesus replied, “If I have said something wrong, confirm what is wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why strike me?”