Passover prepared and shared
Luke 22:1–23FocusThe 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 22:39
KJVAnd he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Read it in context
Jesus' Prayer on the Mount of Olives and Betrayal
Start reading at Luke 22:39 (Luke 22:39 to Luke 22:53).
The verse marks the beginning of Jesus' time of prayer and agony in Gethsemane, leading to his betrayal and arrest.
- 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
- 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
- 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
- 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
- 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
- 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
- 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
- 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
- 22:47 And 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.
- 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
- 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
- 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
- 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
- 22:52 Then 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?
- 22:53 When 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.
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 main event or theme? The main event is Jesus and his disciples departing from the place of the Last Supper and going to the Mount of Olives, a place Jesus customarily visited. This marks the transition to Jesus' time of prayer and agony in Gethsemane.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing Jesus' consistent practice of seeking solitude and prayer, especially before facing his greatest trial, demonstrating his human dependence on the Father and his divine obedience.
- What is the literary style? Historical narrative, characteristic of a Gospel account.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? c. A.D. 30, specifically on the night of the Passover, immediately following the Last Supper.
Where
- Where did it happen? The Mount of Olives.
- Where was the author located? Uncertain; possibly Caesarea or Rome.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Prayer on the Mount of Olives and Betrayal (Luke 22:39 to Luke 22:53). Start reading at Luke 22:39. The verse marks the beginning of Jesus' time of prayer and agony in Gethsemane, leading to his betrayal and arrest.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks the transition from the Last Supper and Jesus' final instructions to his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane, where he will pray in agony before his betrayal and arrest, initiating the final stages of his passion. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus, "as he was wont," demonstrates his consistent pattern of seeking solitude and prayer, especially before facing immense suffering. This highlights his humanity, his reliance on the Father, and his obedient submission to God's will, even unto death. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers should follow Jesus' example of consistent prayer, especially when facing difficult or challenging circumstances, trusting in God's will and seeking strength from Him. interpretation
Cited: Luke 22:39, Luke 22:38, Luke 22:40-46, Luke 22:47-53
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.
Other accounts of this event
Jesus prays before His arrest
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- he came John 18:1-2
- as Luke 21:37 Mark 11:11,19 Mark 13:3
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 FocusSubmission 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.