John 13:23

ἦν� … ἐν τ. κόλπῳ. It is important to distinguish between this reclining on Jesus’ lap and ἀναπέσων ἐπὶ τὸ στῆθος in John 13:25. The Jews had adopted the Persian, Greek, and Roman custom of reclining at meals, and had long since exchanged the original practice of standing at the Passover first for sitting and then for reclining. They reclined on the left arm and ate with the right. This is the posture of the beloved disciple indicated here, which continued throughout the meal: in John 13:25 we have a momentary change of posture.

ὃν ἠγάπα ὁ Ἰ. This explains how S. John came to be nearest and to be told who was the traitor (Introduction, p. xxxiv.) Comp. John 19:26; John 21:7; John 21:20; not John 20:2. S. John was on the Lord’s right. Who was next to Him on the left? Possibly Judas, who most have been very close for Christ to answer him without the others hearing.