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JOHN 18:20 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 18:19John 18:21
“Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”
Jesus answered, 'I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret.' — Jesus' defense appeals to the openness of his ministry: public synagogue and temple teaching, witnessed by crowds. The contrast between "openly" (parrēsia, bold public speech) and "nothing in secret" (en kryptō) throws the charge into irony—Jesus has hidden nothing, so clandestine conspiracy cannot be argued. His teaching is a matter of public record.

Church Fathers on John 18:20

The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples; perhaps where they were, and on what account He had collected them, he wished to prove that he was a seditious and factious person whom no one attended to, except His own disciples.

Chrysostom · 4th century · As they could bring no charge against Christ, they asked Him of His disciples

He asks Him moreover of His doctrine, what it was, whether opposed to Moses and the law, that he might take occasion thereby to put Him to death as an enemy of God.

Theophylact · 11th century

He does not ask in order to know the truth, but to find out some charge against Him, on which to deliver Him to the Roman Governor to be condemned. But our Lord so tempers His answer, as neither to conceal the truth, nor yet to appear to defend Himself: Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

Alcuin · 8th century
Read all 7 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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