This commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
When reading verse-by-verse here, it may appear the passage is strictly sequential. However, notice the phrase “after supper.”This suggests that Luke is not necessarily presenting the events in strict chronological order, but is inserting this detail to record what happened and when it occurred. In other words, Luke may be noting when it happened rather than strictly meaning to narrate the order.
Therefore, verse 21 does not have to follow verse 20 in time; the statement about the betrayer can refer back to an earlier moment, verse 19. When compared with Gospel of John 13:30, it appears that as soon as Judas Iscariot receives the bread, he departs immediately. Then after supper, when he is gone, the rest of the disciples partake of the cup.
Some argue that Luke was written in chronological order, so Judas must have partaken of the cup. As Luke himself says in the introduction:
“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,” Luke 1:3
This indicates Luke’s account is ordered, but “ordered” does not necessarily mean every single verse must follow exact chronological timing. Therefore, the statement about Judas in verse 21 can still refer back to an earlier moment (such as verse 19), and the timing of the cup could occur after Judas has already departed. Luke maintains overall order by noting when events occurred, without requiring a strictly sequential verse-by-verse timeline.
21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
In the KJV the “you” here is in the plural, meaning that Jesus is praying for all the disciples.
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
We know any prayer that is God’s will, will be answered (1 John 5:14-15). Therefore, Jesus’ prayer here for Peter was answered. Peter’s faith did not fail, although he did fall. A believer can fall at times but they will repent:
“The righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again” Proverbs 24:16
“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37:24
We are kept by God’s power. Here we see Jesus keeping Peter in His power as Peter later writes about in 1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Jesus knew His prayer for Peter would be answered, He know Peter’s faith would not fail when He prophetically said “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”.
33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Many teach this was a condition called Hematidrosis which may be true but the wording here“as it were” (vs something like “as it was”) seems to imply more of a comparison to blood. A parallel being made. When we sweat we create small beads of sweat but when we profusely sweat these beads connect with each and create large droplets which can drip off of us. This would be similar to when someone bleeds and large drops of blood drop from their skin. So here the text seems to describe the emotional distress was so great Jesus was profusely sweating.
2. It is interesting that Mormon theology teaches that Jesus paid four sins in the Garden and the cross. The enemy wants to take away from the power of the cross where Jesus said “it is finished”. The idea that Jesus “bled from every pore” is mentioned in a couple of places in LDS texts: Mosiah 3:7 and Doctrine and Covenants 19:18
3. Also, Mormons use this to attack Christians that believe the cross is of utmost importance and significance to our faith:
“The sectarian world falsely suppose that the climax of his torture and suffering was on the cross (Matt. 27:26-50; Mark 15:1-38; Luke 23:1-46; John 18; 19:1-18)—a view which they keep ever before them by the constant use of the cross as a religious symbol. The fact is that intense and severe as the suffering was on the cross, yet the great pains were endured in the Garden of Gethsemane” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [Bookcraft, 1966], 555).
45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
The Greek word translated “suffer ye” is Strong’s G1439 – εάω (eaō). Biblical usage generally falls into three categories:
To allow, permit, let.
To allow one to do as he wishes; not to restrain; to leave alone.
To give up, let go, or leave.
There are two main interpretive views here, since “thus far” is not in the Greek text but added by translators:
“Permit this to happen” – Jesus is telling the disciples to stop resisting, let the arrest proceed, and allow God’s plan to unfold. This view doesn’t deny or support the use of self-defense.
“Allow this, but only so far” – Jesus implicitly limits their action: don’t escalate or continue using swords. The emphasis is on restraint rather than forbidding self-defense in general.This view could be seen as supporting measured self-defense.
52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
63And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
67Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
22
Luke 22 — Forever Word commentary
King James VersionThis commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
1Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
When reading verse-by-verse here, it may appear the passage is strictly sequential. However, notice the phrase “after supper.” This suggests that Luke is not necessarily presenting the events in strict chronological order, but is inserting this detail to record what happened and when it occurred. In other words, Luke may be noting when it happened rather than strictly meaning to narrate the order.
Therefore, verse 21 does not have to follow verse 20 in time; the statement about the betrayer can refer back to an earlier moment, verse 19. When compared with Gospel of John 13:30, it appears that as soon as Judas Iscariot receives the bread, he departs immediately. Then after supper, when he is gone, the rest of the disciples partake of the cup.
Some argue that Luke was written in chronological order, so Judas must have partaken of the cup. As Luke himself says in the introduction:
“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,” Luke 1:3
This indicates Luke’s account is ordered, but “ordered” does not necessarily mean every single verse must follow exact chronological timing. Therefore, the statement about Judas in verse 21 can still refer back to an earlier moment (such as verse 19), and the timing of the cup could occur after Judas has already departed. Luke maintains overall order by noting when events occurred, without requiring a strictly sequential verse-by-verse timeline.
21But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
22And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
23And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
25And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
26But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
27For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
28Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
In the KJV the “you” here is in the plural, meaning that Jesus is praying for all the disciples.
32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
We know any prayer that is God’s will, will be answered (1 John 5:14-15). Therefore, Jesus’ prayer here for Peter was answered. Peter’s faith did not fail, although he did fall. A believer can fall at times but they will repent:
“The righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again” Proverbs 24:16
“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37:24
We are kept by God’s power. Here we see Jesus keeping Peter in His power as Peter later writes about in 1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Jesus knew His prayer for Peter would be answered, He know Peter’s faith would not fail when He prophetically said “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren”.
33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
35And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
36Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Many teach this was a condition called Hematidrosis which may be true but the wording here “as it were” (vs something like “as it was”) seems to imply more of a comparison to blood. A parallel being made. When we sweat we create small beads of sweat but when we profusely sweat these beads connect with each and create large droplets which can drip off of us. This would be similar to when someone bleeds and large drops of blood drop from their skin. So here the text seems to describe the emotional distress was so great Jesus was profusely sweating.
2. It is interesting that Mormon theology teaches that Jesus paid four sins in the Garden and the cross. The enemy wants to take away from the power of the cross where Jesus said “it is finished”. The idea that Jesus “bled from every pore” is mentioned in a couple of places in LDS texts: Mosiah 3:7 and Doctrine and Covenants 19:18
3. Also, Mormons use this to attack Christians that believe the cross is of utmost importance and significance to our faith:
“The sectarian world falsely suppose that the climax of his torture and suffering was on the cross (Matt. 27:26-50; Mark 15:1-38; Luke 23:1-46; John 18; 19:1-18)—a view which they keep ever before them by the constant use of the cross as a religious symbol. The fact is that intense and severe as the suffering was on the cross, yet the great pains were endured in the Garden of Gethsemane” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [Bookcraft, 1966], 555).
45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
The Greek word translated “suffer ye” is Strong’s G1439 – εάω (eaō). Biblical usage generally falls into three categories:
To allow, permit, let.
To allow one to do as he wishes; not to restrain; to leave alone.
To give up, let go, or leave.
There are two main interpretive views here, since “thus far” is not in the Greek text but added by translators:
“Permit this to happen” – Jesus is telling the disciples to stop resisting, let the arrest proceed, and allow God’s plan to unfold. This view doesn’t deny or support the use of self-defense.
“Allow this, but only so far” – Jesus implicitly limits their action: don’t escalate or continue using swords. The emphasis is on restraint rather than forbidding self-defense in general.This view could be seen as supporting measured self-defense.
52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
54Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
63And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
64And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
65And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
66And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
67Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
68And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
69Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
70Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
71And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.