FocusThe meal and coming betrayal
Connection to the wholeThe betrayal plot and Passover preparations lead to Jesus' words over the meal and announcement of betrayal at the table.
interpretation Luke 22:2
KJVAnd the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Read it in context
Passover prepared and shared
Start reading at Luke 22:1 (Luke 22:1 to Luke 22:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The betrayal plot and Passover preparations lead to Jesus' words over the meal and announcement of betrayal at the table.
- 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
- 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
- 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
- 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
- 22:5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
- 22:6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
- 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
- 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
- 22:9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
- 22:10 And 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.
- 22:11 And 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?
- 22:12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
- 22:13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
- 22:14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
- 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
- 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
- 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
- 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
- 22:19 And 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.
- 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
- 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
- 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
- 22:23 And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 22:1–22:71): Jesus shares the supper with the apostles and prays on the Mount of Olives; Judas, the arresting party, Peter, household servants, and the council appear in later scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Passover prepared and shared. Read Luke 22:1 through Luke 22:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The betrayal plot and Passover preparations lead to Jesus' words over the meal and announcement of betrayal at the table. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Passover prepared and shared (Luke 22:1 to Luke 22:23). Start reading at Luke 22:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 22:1, Luke 22:23, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- And the chief priests and scribes sought … Luke 19:47-48 Luke 20:19 Ps 2:1-5 Matt 21:38,45-46 Matt 26:3-5 John 11:47-53,57 Acts 4:27
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 22
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The disciples are instructed
Luke 22:24–38FocusService, failure, and coming change
Connection to the wholeJesus answers rivalry, warns Peter, and prepares the disciples for a changed situation as His suffering approaches.
interpretation Prayer and arrest
Luke 22:39–53FocusSubmission under trial
Connection to the wholeThe garden prayer leads to arrest, contrasting Jesus' submission and restraint with the disciples' weakness and violence.
interpretation Denial and interrogation
Luke 22:54–71FocusFailure beside faithful testimony
Connection to the wholePeter denies Jesus while Jesus endures abuse and examination, moving the narrative toward the charge presented to Pilate.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.