John 18:21

21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said."

John 18:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 18:21

Why askest thou me?
&c.] He seems surprised at the high priest's conduct, that he should put such questions to him, who stood bound before him; was brought there as a criminal, and was the defendant, and not obliged to accuse himself; nor could it be thought, that whatever evidence or testimony he should give, would have much weight with the persons before whom he stood.

Ask them which heard me, what I said unto them;
he appeals to his hearers, many of whom were then present; and these his enemies, even his worst enemies, so clear was his case, so free was his doctrine from sedition and blasphemy, so innocent was he in the whole of his deportment and conduct, that he even submits to have his case issued and determined by what his hearers should say of him; and these not his friends, but his enemies; see ( Isaiah 50:8 ) ;

behold, they,
or these,

know what I have said;
pointing at some persons present, perhaps the very officers who had been sent to take him before, but returned without him, declaring that never man spake like him.

John 18:21 In-Context

19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly.

21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said."

22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?"

23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"