4-11). (See Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22). Jesus went forth in order to concentrate the attention of the soldiers upon himself, and to prevent a general attack upon "the disciples. In answer to his question, they said they were seeking "Jesus, the Nazarene," a term of contempt which Jesus answered by saying, "I am he." John adds, "and Judas also which betrayed him stood with them." Greed for money, growing into theft and falseness of life, ended with the blackest crime the world has ever known. His salutation sent them backward (v. 6). Perhaps among the officers were some who had failed to arrest him on a former occasion (ch. 7:46), and who were now overawed by his marvelous words and "Whom seek ye?" (v. 7), and they said, "Jesus of Nazareth," the same words as before, but probably in changed tone, showing that they were prepared to listen with respect, though certainly not with reverence, to what he might have to offer. What a dramatic picture—the brazenness of Judas who stood among the enemy, and the fearlessness of virtue, Jesus, facing his accusers. Augustine, commenting on this verse, says, "What will he do when he comes as a guest, if he did this when giving himself as a prisoner?" His act, however, shielded his disciples, for not one of them was to be lost (v. 9 R. V.), and he knew they were not strong enough yet to stand the test of arrest and trial. At this point Peter attempts to defend Jesus (v. 10).
III. Peter Denying (v. 10).  vv. 15-17). 