Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon him That is, knowing, not only in general, that he must suffer a variety of insults, tortures, and even death itself, but also all the particular circumstances of ignominy and horror that should attend his sufferings; went forth Namely, after his repeated supplications to his heavenly Father, and his agony, as is related at large, Matthew 26:37-46; Mark 14:34-42; Luke 22:41-46; where see the notes; and said unto them With the greatest composure of mind; Whom seek ye? The appointed time of our Lord's sufferings being come, he did not now, as formerly, avoid his enemies, but readily came forward, and gave them an opportunity of apprehending him, telling them, when they said they sought Jesus of Nazareth , I am he Which expression he had no sooner uttered than the whole band went backward, and fell to the ground By which exertion of his divine power he evidently showed them that they could not apprehend him without his consent. How amazing is it, that they should renew the assault after so sensible an experience both of his power and mercy! But probably the priests among them might persuade themselves and their attendants, that this also was done by Beelzebub, and that it was through the providence of God, not the indulgence of Jesus, that they received no further damage. See note on Matthew 26:47-50. If ye seek me, let these (my disciples) go It was an eminent instance of his power over the spirits of men, that they so far obeyed his word as not to seize even Peter, when he had cut off the ear of Malchus. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it No other evangelist names the person that drew the sword, nor could they without exposing Peter to danger. But John, writing after his death, might do it without any such inconvenience. And smote the high-priest's servant, &c. See note on Matthew 26:51-54. Then said Jesus, Put up thy sword, &c. For I will not have recourse to this or any other method of defence. The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? You look only at second causes, and have but an imperfect view of things; but I consider all the sufferings I am now to meet, as under a divine direction and appointment, and therefore willingly acquiesce in what I know to be my heavenly Father's will.
Related Commentaries of John 18:4
John 18:4-11
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them,Whom seek ye?
5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them,I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
6 As soon then as he had said unto them,I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
7 Then asked he them again,Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.
8 Jesus answered,I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:
9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake,Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter,Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?