John 18:20

“Jesus answered him, etc.] Not to the first of these questions, concerning his disciples; not because they had all now forsaken him, and one was denying him; nor because he would not betray them; nor because he would suffer alone; but because if his doctrine was good; it could not be blameworthy to have disciples, and to teach them: and the charge of sedition, blasphemy, and idolatry, they wanted to fasten on him, would sufficiently appear to be groundless by the doctrine he preached; and as to that he answers not directly what he taught, but declares the manner in which he delivered it, and which was such, that they that heard him could not be strangers to it. I spake openly to the world;…”

“I spake--have spoken. openly to the world--See Joh 7:4. I ever taught in the synagogues and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort--courting publicity, though with sublime noiselessness. in secret have I said--spake I. nothing--that is, nothing of any different nature; all His private communications with the Twelve being but explanations and developments of His public teaching. (Compare Isa 45:19; Isa 48:16). (Also see on Mar 14:54.)”

“Openly to the world - If his doctrine had tended to excite sedition and tumult, if he had aimed to overthrow the government, he would have trained his friends in secret; he would have retired from public view, and would have laid his plans in private. This is the case with all who attempt to subvert existing establishments. Instead of that, he had proclaimed his views to all. He had done it in every place of public concourse in the synagogue and in the temple. He here speaks the language of one conscious of innocence and determined to insist on his rights. Always resort - Constantly assemble. They were required to assemble there three times in a year, and great multitudes were there…”

“I spake openly - As to the manner: continually - As to the time: in the synagogue and temple - As to the place. In secret have I said nothing - No point of doctrine which I have not taught in public. John 18:21”

“18:20-21 Jesus’ sharp answer, reminding Annas that everything was in the public record, unmasked the priest’s attempt to follow Roman practice.”

“I spake: Joh 7:14, Joh 7:26, Joh 7:28, Joh 8:2, 10:23-39; Psa 22:22, Psa 40:9; Mat 4:23, Mat 9:35, Mat 21:23-27; Mat 26:65; Luk 4:15, Luk 19:45-47, Luk 20:1-8, Luk 21:37 and in: Joh 7:4; Isa 45:19, Isa 48:16; Mat 24:26; Act 26:26 John 18:21”