Comp. Matthew 26:1-16; Mark 14:1-11. ‘Luke omits our Lord's prediction of His passion, made at the close of His discourses, (Matthew), and also the supper at Bethany. The latter omission cannot be due to the fact that he has recorded a similar anointing at an earlier period (Luke 7:36-50). The two o... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:1-2. THE PLOT OF THE RULERS WHICH IF CALLED THE PASSOVER. Explanation for Gentile readers. HOW THEY MIGHT PUT HIM TO DEATH; FOR THEY FEARED THE PEOPLE, who had been hearing Him so attentively (chap. Luke 21:38); hence the question was _how_ they could carry into effect a purpose already de... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:3-6. THE AGREEMENT WITH JUDAS. The successive steps are stated in the same order by all three Evangelists. He went to them with his proposal; they joyfully agreed to pay him; he sought to betray Jesus. Luke, however, says: AND SATAN ENTERED (Luke 22:3). Comparing this with John 13:27, we con... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:7. THE PASSOVER (paschal lamb) MUST BE SACRIFICED. This expression does not favor the theory that our Lord celebrated the Passover a day earlier than the usual time. See chronological note on Matthew 26:27... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke presents a number of new details: Luke 22:7-13 narrate the preparation with greatest fulness, mentioning the names of the two disciples who were sent for this purpose; the affecting words (Luke 22:15) with which our Lord opens the meal are peculiar to Luke. He alone of the Synoptists mentions t... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:7-13. THE PREPARATION FOR THE PASSOVER FEAST; see on Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:8. AND HE SENT. It is doubtful whether the question of Luke 22:9 is identical with that mentioned by the other evangelists, or whether the disciples had made a previous inquiry omitted here. The simplest solution is that they came for the purpose of inquiring, were then bidden as here, and t... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:14-18. THE OPENING EXPRESSION OF DESIRE. Peculiar to Luke. Luke 22:14. THE HOUR. The regular hour of eating the Passover, in the ‘evening,' see Matthew 26:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:15. WITH DESIRE I HAVE DESIRED. A Hebrew form of expression, denoting strong desire. TO EAT THIS PASSOVER. This refers to this Passover itself, not to the ‘Lord's Supper,' which it introduced. One ground of the strong desire was the certainty that it would be the last one, hence peculiarly... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:16. I SHALL NOT EAT IT. Some authorities read: ‘no more,' a correct explanation. He would eat of it now, but never again. Yet He passes beyond this, and introduces a thought of the future, which was doubtless the deeper reason of His strong desire: UNTIL IT BE FULFILLED IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:17. TOOK, or ‘received,' as the leader in the Passover feast. A CUP. The first cup, of the Passover. AND WHEN HE HAD GIVEN THANKS. This was usual with the first cup (see on Matthew 26:17, etc.). The form of the blessing was: ‘Blessed be thou, O Lord our God, who hast created the fruit of... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:18. I SHALL NOT DRINK, ETC. From this we infer that our Lord did not partake in the Supper He afterwards instituted. The verse points to the same event in the future as Luke 22:16. The old rite was thus formally abrogated, the new one about to be instituted. This view at once suggests a reas... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:19. GIVEN. Given to death, as the sequel shows, and as Luke 22:20 involves. FOR YOU. This may mean in behalf of you, but such a surrender to death had necessarily a vicarious character. THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. Peculiar to Luke and Paul, and pointing to the establishment of a perman... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:19-20. THE INSTITUTION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. See on Matthew 26:26-29; comp. Mark 14:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. Luke's account, as might be expected, agrees most closely with the words of the institution, as given by Paul, who distinctly asserts that his account was ‘received of the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:20. THE CUP. The one standing before Him. AFTER SUPPER. The paschal lamb had been eaten, and the feast was about to conclude with the _third_ cup (‘the cup of blessing'), since according to Matthew and Mark, our Lord gave, or, as we would say, returned thanks with this cup. A fourth cup us... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:21-23. THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A BETRAYER. But (Luke 22:21); this is not the word usually rendered thus, but one meaning ‘nevertheless.' The sense would then seem to be, ‘although I pour out my blood for you, yet the hand,' etc. But to insist that these words were uttered immediately _after_ the... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:24. AND THERE AROSE ALSO A CONTENTION AMONG THEM. More than a discussion, a contention, a quarrel. Hence the improbability of its occurring after the Lord's Supper. Some suppose that it was occasioned by a dispute about their places at the table. No names are mentioned.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:24-30. THE CONTENTION. Peculiar to Luke, although something similar is recorded by Matthew (Matthew 18:1, etc.; Matthew 20:20, etc.) and Mark. Luke cannot refer to one of these previous occurrences. We place it _before_ the Lord's Supper, since ‘it is scarce possible that, after the discover... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:25. THE KINGS OF THE GENTILES, etc. The thought is similar to that found in Matthew 20:25-28, but the form is new, and adapted to the circumstances. ‘The Gentiles' are mentioned to indicate that the temper which called forth their strife was a heathen one. HAVE AUTHORITY. This refers to ru... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:26. BUT NOT SO YE. They shall be ‘kings,' but after a different fashion. The aristocracy our Lord here establishes is one of humility.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:27. BUT I AM IN THE MIDST OF YOU AS HE THAT SERVETH. This clause gains in force by supposing that our Lord at this point washed His disciples' feet. He, the ‘chief,' was serving. We may also connect this with Luke 22:25: ‘the benefactors among the Gentiles are rulers and potentates; I, your... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:28. CONTINUED WITH ME IN MY TEMPTATIONS, or ‘trials.' Our Lord does not reproach them, but praises their steadfastness. He speaks of His whole life as one of ‘temptations,' in accordance with the Scriptural portrayal of His work on earth.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:29. I APPOINT UNTO YOU A KINGDOM, EVEN AS MY FATHER APPOINTED UNTO ME. The word ‘kingdom' belongs to both clauses. ‘Appoint' signifies not only a bestowal or assurance, but such a disposition as a dying man makes in his will. This underlying thought is, of course, inapplicable to God, but a... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:30. THAT YE MAY EAT, etc. The enjoyments of their reign, with Him in the kingdom appointed by His father, are thus set forth. Comp. Luke 22:16. AND YE SHALL LIT. A direct promise. ON THRONES, etc. Not ‘twelve thrones,' as Matthew 19:28, possibly on account of Judas. Notice the appropriat... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:31. SIMON, SIMON. Earnestness and affection are indicated by the repetition. The apostle is addressed by his old name, not the new and significant one. The sudden call (‘And the Lord said' is to be omitted) may have been occasioned by his part in the strife. There is too a connection of thou... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:31-34. THE PREDICTION OF PETER'S DENIAL. This we regard as identical with the prediction recorded by John (John 13:36-38), and distinct from and prior to that mentioned by Matthew and Mark. It was very natural that the disciples on the way to Gethsemane should revert to the words spoken at t... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:32. BUT I. Emphatic. In the consciousness of greater power than that of Satan and greater faithfulness than that of Peter. FOR THEE. Peter is now spoken of alone, as in the greatest danger. THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT, _i.e.,_ cease altogether. Our Lord prays, not that Peter be not tried, bu... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:33. LORD, WITH THEE I AM READY, etc. ‘In his sense of strength, Peter casts doubt upon the necessity of our Lord's petition for him. This conversation differs sufficiently from that mentioned by Matthew and Mark, which occurred later, as we think. ‘With thee,' is specially emphatic, and show... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:34. PETER. Not Simon. The name significant of steadfastness is contrasted with his conduct.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:35. AND HE SAID UNTO THEM. ‘Not without reason have I spoken of what is so momentous (Luke 22:31-34); for now, when I am no longer with you, your situation will be quite otherwise than before; there now comes for you a time of care for yourselves and of conflict' (Meyer). WHEN I SENT YOU FO... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:35-38. WARNING IN REGARD TO OUTWARD DANGERS, leading to the incident of the two swords. Peculiar to Luke. We join this chronologically with what precedes. No order is more probable, and there is an appropriate connection of thought; to the description of _inward_ danger just made, our Lord a... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:36. THEREFORE, _i.e.,_ in consequence of their reply. LET HIM TAKE IT. The precise word used in the prohibition of chap. Luke 9:3. HE THAT HATH NOT, _i.e.,_ purse or wallet, LET HIM SELL HIS CLOKE (‘outer garment'), necessary as that is, AND BUY A SWORD, which is now more indispensable th... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:37. FOR I SAY TO YOU, etc. The course of reasoning is: If the Master is to be RECKONED AMONG THE TRANSGRESSORS, and this will be the case, since this prophecy of Isaiah _must_ be fulfilled, then you, my disciples, may well expect such perils. Notice, our Lord speaks of His position among mal... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:38. LORD, BEHOLD HERE ARE TWO SWORDS. Swords, not knives used at the feast, probably belonging to the disciples. The Galileans often travelled armed, and possibly two of the disciples had thus provided themselves because they expected danger that night IT IS ENOUGH. The reference is not to... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:39-46. THE AGONY IN GETHSEMANE. See on Matthew 26:31-46. We notice here only what is peculiar to Luke's narrative.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:39. AT HE WAS WONT (comp. Luke 21:37).. Peculiar to Luke, hinting that He went to a place where Judas could find Him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke's account presents here new and striking details, although it is briefer than those of Matthew and Mark. In telling of our Lord's agony, Luke alone mentions the distance to which He withdrew, the angelic assistance and the physical results. In the account of the betrayal there are interesting p... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:40. AT THE PLACE. A well-known place; perhaps already known.by name to readers of the Gospel. Hence the omission of the name.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:41. WITHDREW HIMSELF, lit, ‘was himself withdrawn.' Drawn by internal anguish, some suppose. ABOUT A STONE'S EAST. Not so far as to be out of hearing. This was probably the distance from the three disciples (Matthew, Mark), not from the main body, since the next clause refers to what took... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:42. FATHER, etc. Godet: ‘Luke, like Mark, gives only the first prayer, and confines himself to indicating the others summarily, while Matthew introduces us more profoundly to the progressive steps in the submission of Jesus.'... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:43. APPEARED UNTO HIM AN ANGEL. An actual coming of an angel, not merely a spiritual accession of strength. Angels had thus ministered to Him at His previous temptation, according to Matthew and Mark, so that it cannot be said that the notion is peculiar to Luke. How He was strengthened is n... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:44. AND BEING IN AN AGONY. This was _after_ the coming of the angel. Our Lord was strengthened _for_ this _agony_ or conflict. The first result of the strengthening was that HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY, the final result was complete resignation and victorious waiting for the betrayer. AND HIS... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:45-46. Luke is very brief in these verses, and we must supplement his account from those of Matthew and Mark. We learn from these that our Lord came once and again to the _three_ disciples, and found them asleep. FOR SORROW. This was the cause of their sleep. Luke is not seeking to excuse... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:47-53. THE BETRAYAL. See on Matthew 26:47-56; comp. Mark 14:43-52; John 18:3-11. We notice only the new and striking details.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:48. JUDAS, BETRAYEST THEN, etc. This probably followed the question recorded by Matthew. It is addressed to Judas by name, and is emphatic throughout, setting before the traitor the full enormity of his purpose. The form used coincides with that used in predicting the betrayal (Matthew 17:22... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:49. SAW WHAT WOULD FOLLOW. They not only wake up, but wake to an understanding of the case. LORD, SHALL WE SMITE WITH THE SWORD? In the same spirit as the occurrence of Luke 22:38.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:50. A CERTAIN ONE OF THEM. Luke too omits Peter's name. RIGHT EAR. Luke and John alone mention which ear it was.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:51. SUFFER YE THUS FAR. Probably addressed to the disciples: Let them go on and fulfil this their design of taking me. Ft is a mild reproof of the hasty use of the sword, and thus agrees with Matthew 26:52; John 18:11. Were the sense: Let them go thus far (and no further), we would find a di... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:52. CHIEF-PRIESTS... ELDERS. Luke alone speaks of these, and it was very natural that some of them should accompany the band. Some infer from the fact of their being first mentioned at this point, that they entered the garden after the band of Judas.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:53. BUT THIS IS YOUR HOUR, AND THE POWER OF DARKNESS. An allusion to the fact that it was midnight, contrasting this with His appearance _by day_ in the temple. Darkness was appropriate to such a deed, hence it was the hour which suited them. The parallel passages speak of this as a fulfilme... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:54. THE HIGH-PRIEST'S HOME. Undoubtedly Caiaphas is meant, since the other Evangelists agree in making his house the scene of Peter's denial.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke passes over the examination by Annas (John 18:19-24), the subsequent examination before Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57-66; Mark 14:53-64), giving immediately his account of Peter's denial, then mentioning the mocking which occurred at the close of the _night_ examination before Caiaphas. This order in... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:55. KINDLED. Lit., ‘kindled around;' a large bright fire was made, we infer. All of the Evangelists but Matthew mention the fire, but Mark does not speak of its being kindled. SAT DOWN. So Matthew and Mark; out John speaks of his standing. During the night hours, Peter was no doubt restles... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:55-62. PETER'S DENIAL OF OUR LORD. For a comparison of the various accounts and a general view of the occurrence, see notes on Matthew 26:69-75; comp. Mark 14:66-72; John 18:16-18; John 18:25-27.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:56-57. FIRST DENIAL. A CERTAIN MAID. Probably the porteress who had followed Peter into the court; the different answers suggest that she kept up a bantering accusation of this kind to which he responded in different words, but to the same effect. Luke brings out the fact of her EARNESTLY LO... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:58. SECOND DENIAL. The account is brief. A general accusation probably began at the fire, was kept up as Peter withdrew to the porch, where he was questioned both by a maid (Matthew, Mark) and a man.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:59-60. THIRD DENIAL. Luke is particular as to the interval: AFTER ABOUT THE SPACE OF ONE HOUR. The recognition became very general, as we might expect, but this Evangelist brings out the one who was prominent in the matter.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:61. AND THE LORD TURNED AND LOOKED UPON PETER. This detail, so interesting and touching, may be explained by supposing, that even during the trial our Lord could think on Peter and be aware of what he was doing, though at some distance. But probably the first examination before Caiaphas was... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:63-65. THE MOCKERY AT NIGHT. See on Matthew 26:67-68; Mark 14:65. (John 18:22 refers to a different occurrence.) Matthew and Mark place this mockery in a different position. This suggests that it began at the close of the hearing, continuing for some time, thus both preceding and following o... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:66. AND WHEN IT WAS DAY. Roman law forbade a final condemnation before dawn, and Jewish usage forbade even the investigation of capital crime at night. THE ASSEMBLY OF THE ELDERS, lit, ‘the eldership' _(presbyterion);_ a formal assembly of the Sanhedrin, at the usual place of holding the c... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MORNING EXAMINATION. Luke here gives an account of another hearing than that detailed by Matthew and Mark. Luke 22:63-65 tacitly presuppose some sort of condemnation, which encouraged the servants to commit such outrages. Both Matthew (Matthew 27:1) and Mark (Mark 15:1) hint at such a morning me... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:67. IF THOU ART THE CHRIST, TELL US. An abrupt beginning, presupposing testimony that He made this claim. The hearing is resumed at the point broken off, according to Matthew's account. The force of the passage is: If as you claim, thou art the Christ, tell us all so, in plain words. IF I... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:68. AND IF I ASK YOU, put questions to you about my arrest, its legality, and the way you have forced me into my present position. YE WILL NOT ANSWER, because you would involve yourselves in great perplexities. The case was prejudged. The rest of the verse is to be omitted.... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:69. BUT. This indicates the connection of thought: you have prejudged my case, but, as the time has come to speak, in order that through suffering I may pass to glory, I tell you of that glory and thus confess myself the Christ: FROM HENCEFORTH, etc. Comp. Matthew 26:64. A repetition of this... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:70. The next question shows that they understood Him aright. His answer may be rendered: YE SAY THAT I AM, or, ‘ye say (correctly), for I am.'... [ Continue Reading ]
Luke 22:71. WHAT FURTHER NEED, etc. As far as the death of Christ had a human judicial ground, that ground was His own claim to be the Son of God. Either His claim was correct, or the Jews were right in putting Him to death. To ignore His claim is to side with His murderers. On the plan for procurin... [ Continue Reading ]