Bible Strands
John 18:15
Now Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he also went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator records Simon Peter and an unnamed disciple physically following Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard immediately after His arrest. This moment bridges Jesus’ preliminary questioning and His formal presentation before Caiaphas.
The words — The Greek verb Ἠκολούθει (Ēkolouthei) literally means "were following" and is paired with δὲ (de), translated "now," to indicate continuous movement. These terms anchor the scene in the immediate, ongoing pursuit of Jesus by His followers.
The thread — The movement into the courtyard aligns with the parallel accounts in Matthew 26:58, Mark 14:54, and Luke 22:54. John 18:15 uniquely specifies that the unnamed disciple's prior recognition by the high priest enabled their entry.
Why it lands — The text first establishes that physical proximity to Jesus can be facilitated by human connections rather than personal boldness. A reader must confront the reality that being near the truth does not automatically produce courage or comprehension when tested.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
Cross-references
- Mark 14:54 Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the officers and warmed himself by the fire.
- Luke 22:54 Then they seized Jesus, led Him away, and took Him into the house of the high priest. And Peter followed at a distance.
- Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. And he went in and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.
- Matthew 26:3 At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,