John 18:3

“Judas then having received a band of men, etc.] From the captain of this band, who in (<431812>John 18:12); is called a “Chiliarch”, that is, a commander of a thousand men, one might conclude there were so many in this band; but it seems, that such an officer might have two bands under his command; and if this was, the case, there were at least five hundred men in this company; a large number indeed, to take an unarmed person; and yet, as if this was not sufficient, it is added, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees; servants that belong to each of these, and who seem to be a considerable number also; for these are said to be “a great multitude”; (<402647>Matthew 26:47); nay, not…”

“Judas then--"He that was called Judas, one of the Twelve," says Luke (Luk 22:47), in language which brands him with peculiar infamy, as in the sacred circle while in no sense of it. a band of men--"the detachment of the Roman cohort on duty at the festival for the purpose of maintaining order" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. officers from the chief priests and Pharisees--captains of the temple and armed Levites. lanterns and torches--It was full moon, but in case He should have secreted Himself somewhere in the dark ravine, they bring the means of exploring its hiding-places--little knowing whom they had to do with. "Now he that betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss,…”

“A band - See the notes at Matthew 26:47; Matthew 27:27. John passes over the agony of Jesus in the garden, probably because it was so fully described by the other evangelists. Lanterns ... - This was the time of the full moon, but it might have been cloudy, and their taking lights with them shows their determination to find him. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A troop of soldiers - A cohort of Roman foot. John 18:6”

“18:3 John’s full description of the arresting party expands the picture from the other Gospels. The Temple authorities sent Roman soldiers and Temple guards; while the Temple guards made the arrest, the Roman detachment stood by to prevent a riot. The Roman detachment was large enough to warrant a commander (18:12) and came armed, anticipating a struggle (18:10). Numerous men had claimed to be the Messiah, and often they had made politically explosive attempts to expel the Romans.”

“Judas: Joh 13:2, Joh 13:27-30; Mat 26:47, Mat 26:55; Mar 14:43, Mar 14:44, Mar 14:48; Luk 22:47-53; Act 1:16 a band: Joh 18:12 \*Gr: Psa 3:1, Psa 3:2, Psa 22:12 John 18:4”