John 13:1

Now before the feast of the passover,— The observation with which John ushers in this part of his history, may be considered as a kind of preface to the five subsequent Chapter s of his gospel. Before the feast of the passover, means before they began the passover supper. See Luke 22:14. Unto the end, means the end of his life, as eternity has no end. Knowing that his sufferings were at hand, the prospect of them did not make our gracious Master forget his disciples. They rather quickened his friendship; for he indulged the tenderest feelings of love on this occasion, and, after the manner of a departing friend, expressed his kindness in the most affectionate manner.