18:4 Then Jesus, because he knew everything that was going to happen to him, 13 came and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” 14
1 sn Jesus, knowing that his “hour” had not yet come (and would not, in this fashion) withdrew again up the mountainside alone. The ministry of miracles in Galilee, ending with this, the multiplication of the bread (the last public miracle in Galilee recorded by John) aroused such a popular response that there was danger of an uprising. This would have given the authorities a legal excuse to arrest Jesus. The nature of Jesus’ kingship will become an issue again in the passion narrative of the Fourth Gospel (John 18:33ff.). Furthermore, the volatile reaction of the Galileans to the signs prepares for and foreshadows the misunderstanding of the miracle itself, and even the misunderstanding of Jesus’ explanation of it (John 6:22-71).
2 tn The phrase “chief priests and Pharisees” is a comprehensive name for the groups represented in the ruling council (the Sanhedrin) as in John 7:45; 18:3; Acts 5:22, 26.
3 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
4 tn Or “could seize.”
5 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author.
6 tn Grk “Because he knew”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
7 tn Grk “had given all things into his hands.”
8 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
9 tn Grk “Not all of you are.”
10 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author.
11 tn Or “often.”
12 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author.
13 tn Grk “knowing all things that were coming upon him.”
14 tn Grk “Whom do you seek?”
15 tn Grk “said to them.” The words “to them” are omitted because it is clear in context to whom Jesus was speaking, and the words are slightly redundant in English.