MPV Commentary

Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world; I taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews would gather. My teaching was public, yet it was done with a quiet confidence.

He also said that in private conversations with his disciples, he had not revealed anything different from what he taught publicly. His private communications were simply explanations and developments of his public teachings (compare Isaiah 45:19; 48:16).

Jesus then asked the officer who struck him, "Why are you asking me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them." He pointed out that they knew exactly what he had taught.

When Jesus spoke in this way, it was clear that he saw through the attempt to draw him into self-incrimination. Instead, he invoked his right as an accused person to have charges brought against him by competent witnesses.

One of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus on the cheek and said, "Do you answer the high priest like that?" This rough treatment was apparently condoned by the high priests themselves (Acts 23:2).

Jesus replied to the officer, "If I spoke evil, bear witness against me. But if my words were good, why are you striking me?" He did not say "if they were not evil," implying that his response was merely harmless. Instead, he said "if they were good," which suggests that he was challenging the officer's right to strike him in response to a legitimate defense.

From this exchange, it is evident that Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) should not be taken literally.