John 18:19-27

New International Version

The High Priest Questions Jesus^(A)

¹⁹ Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

²⁰ “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues^(B) or at the temple,^(C) where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.^{(D) 21} Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

²² When Jesus said this, one of the officials^(E) nearby slapped him in the face.^(F) “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

²³ “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”^{(G) 24} Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas^(H) the high priest.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials^(I)

²⁵ Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself.^(J) So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”^(K)

²⁶ One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,^(L) challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?”^{(M) 27} Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.^(N)