Joh 18:3 | TNotes | STEP | 18:3 John’s full description of the arresting party expands the picture from the other Gospels. The Temple authorities sent Roman soldiers and Temple guards ; while the Temple guards made the arrest, the Roman detachment stood by to prevent a riot. The Roman detachment was large enough to warrant a commander (18:12 ) and came armed, anticipating a struggle (18:10 ). Numerous men had claimed to be the Messiah, and often they had made politically explosive attempts to expel the Romans.

‏ John 18:3

18:3 ^a John’s full description of the arresting party expands the picture from the other Gospels. The Temple authorities sent Roman soldiers and Temple guards; while the Temple guards made the arrest, the Roman detachment stood by to prevent a riot. The Roman detachment was large enough to warrant a commander (18:12 ^b) and came armed, anticipating a struggle (18:10 ^c). Numerous men had claimed to be the Messiah, and often they had made politically explosive attempts to expel the Romans.