According to the account of John, Pilate asked Jesus, “Art thou the King of the Jews?”

(John 18:33 KJV)

 

Jesus responded in John 18:36:

 

“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36 KJV)

 

“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”” (John 18:36 NASB)

 

Amillennialists will argue this commonly to mean that Jesus’ kingdom is only spiritual. Yet, this is a misunderstanding. Jesus was not denying that His kingdom was an earthly kingdom. He was not saying it was only the spiritual rule of God over the hearts of His people. He was not saying that His kingdom had nothing to do with this world, either.

 

Therefore, what is the true meaning of the passage?

 

It is key to understanding the immediate context of the passage:

 

This takes place during Jesus' trials in Rome when he was speaking to Pilate. Pilate was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea. Pilates concerns are only political. He wanted peace and to make sure Jesus was not a political threat to Rome (cf. 18:10-11), which is what the Jewish leaders had told him. Therefore, when He addressed Pilate, Jesus was not answering him the same way He answered the Jews, Caiaphas. Jesus’ answer was political, meaning He was informing Pilate that He was not attempting a political take over at that time.

 

So, what did Jesus mean?

 

Looking closer at Jesus’ statement, “My kingdom is not of this realm.” The preposition ek (“of” or “out of”) refers to “source.” Meaning, rather than denying its future, terrestrial reality, Christ was here simply making a statement as to His kingdom's ultimate origin or source. The source of Jesus’ kingdom is not found in this earthly realm because if it were, Jesus’ followers would be fighting. Jesus’ kingdom at the second coming will have heaven as it’s source:

 

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:”

(Matthew 25:31 KJV)

 

Continuing with the refutation, the final clause of John 18:36 contains the Greek word nyn, which is typically translated "now." This final clause could therefore be translated, "but now My kingdom is not from here.” In other words, Christ was not denying the kingdom's ultimate arrival upon earth. Rather, he was only denying its immediate arrival.

 

In conclusion, in John 18:36, Jesus is not denying an earthly reign. He is only explaining to Pilate that it’s source is from heaven and that it is not immediate.