King James Version

What Does John 18:15 Mean?

John 18:15 in the King James Version says “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in w...” — study this verse from John chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

John 18:15 · KJV

Context

13

And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. year: year. And Annas sent Christ bound unto Caiaphas the high priest

14

Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

15

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.

16

But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

17

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.

Read John 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple" (Ἠκολούθει δὲ τῷ Ἰησοῦ Σίμων Πέτρος καὶ ἄλλος μαθητής/Ēkolouthei de tō Iēsou Simōn Petros kai allos mathētēs)—the verb ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, "followed") is the standard term for discipleship. Despite fleeing (Matthew 26:56), Peter and another disciple rally and follow at a distance, attempting to see Jesus's fate. The imperfect tense ἠκολούθει (ēkolouthei) indicates continuous action—they kept following despite danger.

"That disciple was known unto the high priest" (ὁ μαθητὴς ἐκεῖνος ἦν γνωστὸς τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ/ho mathētēs ekeinos ēn gnōstos tō archierei)—this unnamed disciple (almost certainly John himself, given the Gospel's pattern of self-reference) had prior acquaintance with the high priestly household. The adjective γνωστός (gnōstos) means "known, acquainted with"—suggesting personal connections, possibly family or business ties. Some traditions suggest John's family supplied fish to the priestly household.

"And went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest" (καὶ συνεισῆλθεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὴν αὐλὴν τοῦ ἀρχιεερέως/kai syneisēlthen tō Iēsou eis tēn aulēn tou archiereōs)—the compound verb συνεισέρχομαι (syneiserchomai, "enter together with") shows John gained entry immediately with Jesus. John's access allowed him to witness events Peter initially could not—providing eyewitness testimony for his Gospel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

High priestly residences in Jerusalem were substantial compounds with courtyards where servants and guards gathered. Only those with known connections or official business gained entry, especially during nighttime proceedings. John's acquaintance with the high priest (whether through family, business, or other connections) gave him privileged access that would prove crucial for Gospel testimony. The other disciples had scattered (Matthew 26:56), but Peter and John—the two often paired throughout the Gospels—remained close enough to follow. This showed genuine courage despite the danger, yet it also set the stage for Peter's denial.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter and John's decision to follow Jesus despite danger teach about courageous discipleship?
  2. How did God's providence position John with connections to the high priest's household to serve as eyewitness?
  3. What is the difference between following Jesus 'at a distance' versus intimate discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Ἠκολούθει1 of 27

“followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

δὲ2 of 27

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ3 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ4 of 27

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Σίμων5 of 27

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

Πέτρος6 of 27

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ7 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ8 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄλλος9 of 27

“so did another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μαθητὴς10 of 27

“disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ὁ11 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ12 of 27

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

μαθητὴς13 of 27

“disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἐκεῖνος14 of 27

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἦν15 of 27

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

γνωστὸς16 of 27

“known”

G1110

well-known

τῷ17 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερέως18 of 27

“of the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ19 of 27

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνεισῆλθεν20 of 27

“went in with”

G4897

to enter in company with

τῷ21 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ22 of 27

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς23 of 27

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν24 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐλὴν25 of 27

“the palace”

G833

a yard (as open to the wind); by implication, a mansion

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερέως27 of 27

“of the high priest”

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 18:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 18:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 22:54Mark 14:54Matthew 26:58-68Matthew 26:3

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