Verse 23. They began to inquire among themselves] See Clarke on Mt 26:23; “Mt 26:24“.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

And they began to inquire among themselves,…. Two days before, at the supper in Bethany, when the same thing was hinted to them, they looked at one another, Joh 13:22 as persons in the utmost surprise and consternation, not being able, for a while, either to speak to Christ, or one another; but now they inquired among themselves, and of Christ likewise, Mt 26:21

which of them it was that should do this thing; so barbarous, shocking, and horrible.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Which of them it was ( ). Note the article with the indirect question as in verses Luke 22:2; Luke 22:4. The optative here is changed from the present active indicative , though it was not always done, for see in verse 24 where the present indicative is retained. They all had their hands on the table. Whose hand was it?

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

1) “And they began to enquire among themselves,” (kai autoi erksato suzetein pros heautous) “And they began to debate directly with themselves,” one with another, among themselves, Mat 26:22.

2) “Which of them,” (to Ais eks auton) “Just who (which one) out of and among them,” “is it l?” each repeatedly inquired, none said, “is it he?” or Judas, indicating trust in each other.

3) “It was that should do this thing.” (ara eie ho touto mellon prassein) “It might be who was about to do this thing,” about to betray Him to death, Joh 13:22.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

‘And they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.’

Such a statement as Jesus had made could only cause surprise and concern. And yet it seems that they were sufficiently aware of their own weakness to recognise that it could be true, although they may well have thought at the time that He meant betray Him accidentally. Otherwise we would have expected a vociferous denial. But the eyewitness remembered the discussions well, and commented on them. It had been the least tasteful thing about those last hours. It was a reminder of the fact that the one who stands must beware lest he fall (1Co 10:12). But all the while Judas had to keep up his act, as the discussion went on around him. His heart had to be rigidly set to do evil.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!

23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

Ver. 23. And they began to inquire ] Therefore the Lord had not perfectly pointed out the traitor to them; or if he did, they either heard not, or heeded not.

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

Luk 22:23 . , to one another, or among themselves, without speaking to the Master; otherwise in parallels. : in an emphatic position = this horrible deed.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

among. Greek. pros. App-104.

should do = was about to do.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

Luk 22:23-30

Commentary On Luk 22:24-30

Galen Doughty

Luk 22:24-27 – Luke tells us that at some point during the meal a dispute arose among them about who was greatest. The verb is an aorist of ginomai which means it “began to happen.” The word for dispute is a contention. They had an argument during the Passover meal! Luke does not specifically say this immediately followed Jesus’ announcement of his betrayal which could mean the argument happened at another point in the meal. That means their argument is probably the setting for Jesus washing the disciples feet in John 13. It is possible the argument arose because they were trying to determine who was the least among them because then he would have been obligated to wash everyone’s feet. Jesus short circuits their debate by humbling himself and setting the example of service for all of them. John reports that Judas was going to betray him but had not yet left. That means that Jesus washed Judas’ feet too!

Jesus summarizes the lesson about service for the disciples by reiterating what he told them during another argument about who was the greatest earlier in his ministry. The Gentiles lord it over their subjects and call themselves Benefactors but I am among you as one who serves. Theophilus is probably Luke’s patron or benefactor. One wonders what Theophilus thought of Jesus’ words here? Jesus then asks them who is greater, the servant or the ruler? Jesus says the servant is greater because that is what he came to do and he is the Messiah! Follow my example. If you couple this with him washing their feet this was a powerful moment during the Passover meal. However, how disappointing it must have been for Jesus that he had to stop them from arguing about position and face. It was one more sign that sin was rampant in the human race and that without the cross there was absolutely no hope that people would change. Jesus’ mission was the only way! The Holy Spirit’s presence was the only hope for God’s character to grow in people and overcome sin. It would have brought him back to the lesson of the Supper he had just given them. I think he knew that over time in the months and years ahead with the Supper to help them remember they would begin to change and begin to live as Jesus had modeled for them and called them to live. It must have been a bittersweet moment for him.

Luk 22:28-30 – Given the bittersweet nature of the moment I think this is why Jesus now says what he says. The disciples have demonstrated how broken and sinful they are and yet to them Jesus says he will give the Kingdom. He says they have stood by him in his trials. That is true at least up to a point. There will come a time that night that they will all desert him. But the disciples have been with Jesus through all the hardships of his three year ministry and now this week in Jerusalem. It is to them, his friends, despite all their flaws, that he will give the Kingdom. The Father has given Jesus rule over all things and now Jesus will give them a share in his Kingdom to rule with him. It is a statement of grace because who among them deserves that Kingdom? Who among them is fit to rule with him? The dialogue with Peter that immediately follows this and Peter’s blustering about not denying Jesus is especially poignant in its timing. Even Peter does not deserve what Jesus is saying here. But the New Covenant will change them and make them fit. That is what Jesus has given them through the sign of his Supper. When he returns and takes up his reign they will rule with him and judge all Israel itself!

Luke is very purposeful in juxtapositioning these sayings and incidents during the Passover meal. There is such a contrast between what Jesus will give them and his sacrifice for them and the disciples’ behavior and petty squabblings. Jesus is going to die for them and the need for his death, resurrection and giving of the Spirit is never more apparent than here, the night he is betrayed. If he does not complete his mission sin wins, and the human race will never change. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, eaten with him, ministered with him, shared everything with him and been sent out in his name and seen and done great things in his name. Even more so than Israel itself in the wilderness they had seen God at work in those three years. Now at the end of all of that the best they can do is argue and squabble about who is the greatest, deny him and even betray him. The disciples at the Passover feast are exhibit A for the need for internal change in the human heart and for God to something by his grace and power. Nothing else will work. We have no hope without Christ, his cross and resurrection!

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

Mat 26:22, Mar 14:19, Joh 13:22-25

Reciprocal: Psa 2:1 – rage Mat 20:24 – they

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

3

Began to enquire. See the comments at Mat 26:22.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

Luke is the only evangelist who recorded this conversation. It reveals the disciples’ concern and the extent of Judas’ hypocrisy. Judas still had an opportunity to repent, but he did not. It was especially despicable for Judas to share a meal with Jesus, which implied mutual commitment, and then betray Him.

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)