Joh 18:4-9 | RWP | e4.org | Knowing all the things that were coming upon him ( ειδως παντα τα ερχομενα επ' αυτον ). Mentioned already in . He was not taken by surprise. The surrender and death of Jesus were voluntary acts, though the guilt of Judas and the rest remains.

‏ John 18:4-9

Knowing all the things that were coming upon him ( ειδως παντα τα ερχομενα επ' αυτον ). Mentioned already in Joh 13:1. He was not taken by surprise. The surrender and death of Jesus were voluntary acts, though the guilt of Judas and the rest remains.

Was standing ( ιστηκε ). Second past perfect active of ιστημ used as imperfect, a vivid picture of Judas in the very act of betraying Jesus. John does not mention the kiss by Judas as a sign to the soldiers and police. Tatian suggests that it came before verse 4. Then Jesus stepped forth and affirmed that he was the one whom they were seeking.

Fell to the ground ( επεσαν χαμα ). Second aorist active indicative of πιπτω with first aorist ending ( -αν ). This recoil made them stumble. But why did they step back? Was it the former claim of Jesus ( I am, εγω ειμ ) to be on an equality with God (8:58; 13:19) or mere embarrassment and confusion or supernatural power exerted by Jesus? B adds Ιησους which must mean simply: "I am Jesus."

Again ( παλιν ). The repeated question receives the same answer. The soldiers and officers know who it is, but are still overawed.

Let these go their way ( αφετε τουτους υπαγειν ). Second aorist active imperative of αφιημ. The verb υπαγειν means to withdraw (11:44). Jesus shows solicitude for the eleven as he had warned them and prayed for them (Lu 22:31f.). He is trying to help them.

That might be fulfilled ( ινα πληρωθη ). The regular formula (17:12) for Scripture, here applied to the prophecy of Jesus (17:12) as in verse 32. John treats the saying of Jesus as on a par with the O.T.