Luke 22:24-30

The Christian Standard of Greatness (Mark 10:42 *, Matthew 20:25 *, Matthew 19:28 *. Cf. also Luke 9:46). Lk. here goes back to a discussion recorded much earlier by Mk., who connects it with the request of James and John for precedence in the Messianic Kingdom. The connexion in Lk. is probably with reference to the apparently near advent of the Kingdom in Luke 22:16; Luke 22:18.

Luke 22:25. benefactors: there is irony in the use of this term, a title that had been borne by Antiochus VII of Syria, Ptolemy III, and Ptolemy VII. The last-named (145- 117 B.C.) was a particularly cruel despot.

Luke 22:26. This form of Jesus'saying (e.g. is instead of would be) seems to assume the existence of the early Church. Christ recognises degrees of greatness, but they are based on the measure of humble service rendered. The younger answers to he that doth serve (cf. Acts 5:6; Acts 5:10). Instead of the younger, Codex Bezæ has the less, and Syr. Sin. the little.

Luke 22:27 is peculiar to Lk., and takes the place of Mark 10:45. It finds apt illustration in John 13:4; there could be no dispute that Jesus was the greater and the chief, yet He waits on the others like a servant.

Luke 22:28. This promise of special honour to the Twelve looks like Matthew 19:28, adapted to connect with Luke 22:24

Luke 22:28. they which have continued: the Gr. connotes unswerving loyalty.; temptations: in the general sense of trials and troubles.

Luke 22:29. I appoint: or I assign; the word is used of making (a) a covenant, (b) a will. a kingdom: better kingship, sovereignty, dominion. Perhaps we should translate Luke 22:29 f., And as my Father assigned me sovereignty, so I assign you (the right) to eat and drink, etc. The promise as it stands includes Judas, which shows that Lk. has got the wrong setting; this is why he writes thrones instead of twelve thrones. Cf. Exp. Ap. and May 1918.