John 18:22

When Jesus had said this, one of the officers standing nearby slapped Him in the face and said, "Is this how You answer the high priest?"

Study Bible

When Jesus had said this
This phrase sets the context for the event, indicating that Jesus had just spoken. The Greek word for "said" is "eipon," which implies a declaration or a statement of truth. Jesus had been speaking to the high priest, asserting His identity and mission. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates Jesus' unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of hostility. His words were not just casual conversation but carried the weight of divine authority and purpose.

one of the officers
The term "officers" refers to the temple guards or attendants who served the Jewish leaders. In Greek, the word is "huperetes," which can mean a servant or an assistant. These individuals were tasked with maintaining order and enforcing the will of the religious authorities. Historically, these officers were often Levites, trained in the law and customs of the temple, yet here they are seen acting contrary to the spirit of the law they were meant to uphold.

standing nearby
This phrase indicates proximity and readiness to act. The Greek word "paresteken" suggests someone who is present and attentive. The officer's position "nearby" signifies his role as an enforcer of the high priest's authority. This proximity also highlights the tension in the scene, as those who were close to Jesus physically were spiritually distant from understanding His true nature.

slapped Him in the face
The act of slapping, described by the Greek word "rapisma," was a gesture of insult and disrespect. In the cultural and historical context, a slap was not just a physical attack but a symbolic act of dishonor. This action fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 50:6, where the suffering servant is described as being struck and humiliated. It underscores the theme of Jesus' suffering and the fulfillment of His role as the Messiah who would endure shame for the sake of humanity.

and said
The officer's words following the slap are crucial, as they reveal the misunderstanding and rejection of Jesus' authority. The Greek "eipen" is used again, emphasizing the contrast between Jesus' divine truth and the officer's misguided rebuke. This moment reflects the broader rejection Jesus faced from the religious establishment, who failed to recognize Him as the promised Savior.

Is this how You answer the high priest?
This question is laden with irony and misunderstanding. The officer assumes that Jesus is being disrespectful, yet it is the religious leaders who are failing to honor the true High Priest, Jesus Himself. The Greek "apokrinomai" for "answer" suggests a response or defense, yet Jesus' earlier words were not a defense but a declaration of His mission. The high priest, in the Jewish tradition, was the mediator between God and the people, yet here, the true Mediator is being rejected by those who claim to serve God. This highlights the tragic irony of the religious leaders' blindness to the fulfillment of their own Scriptures in the person of Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who is being questioned by the high priest.

2. The Officer
A servant or guard of the high priest who physically assaults Jesus.

3. The High Priest
The Jewish religious leader presiding over the questioning of Jesus.

4. The Setting
This event takes place during Jesus' trial before the Jewish authorities, specifically in the courtyard of the high priest.

Teaching Points

Response to Injustice
Jesus' calm and composed response to being struck teaches us about maintaining dignity and composure in the face of injustice.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
This event is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering, reinforcing the divine plan and Jesus' role as the suffering servant.

Respect for Authority
While Jesus respects the position of the high priest, He also challenges the misuse of authority, teaching us to discern and address wrongful actions by those in power.

Non-Retaliation
Jesus' non-retaliatory response is a model for Christians to follow, emphasizing forgiveness and peace over revenge.

Witnessing Through Suffering
Jesus' endurance of suffering without sinning serves as a powerful witness to His divine nature and mission, encouraging believers to witness through their own trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' response to being struck reflect His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, and how can we apply this in our daily interactions?

2. In what ways does this event fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, and why is this significant for our understanding of Jesus' mission?

3. How can we discern when to respect authority and when to challenge it, based on Jesus' interaction with the high priest and the officer?

4. What are some practical ways we can embody Jesus' example of non-retaliation in our personal and professional lives?

5. How can enduring suffering with grace and integrity serve as a witness to others about our faith in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:39
Jesus teaches about turning the other cheek, which connects to His response to being struck.

Isaiah 50:6
A prophecy about the suffering servant who offers His back to those who beat Him, reflecting Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy.

1 Peter 2:23
Peter speaks of Jesus not retaliating when He suffered, exemplifying His response in this situation.

Acts 23:2-3
Paul experiences a similar situation when he is struck on the order of the high priest, showing a parallel in the treatment of early Christian leaders.