Matthew 26:1-5. Wednesday, Nisan 12. The Approach of the Passover. Jesus again Foretells His Death. The Sanhedrin meet Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2. Cp. John 11:55-57, where we read that "the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, t... [ Continue Reading ]
_the passover_ (1) The _word_is interesting in its (_a_) Hebrew, (_b_) Greek, and (_c_) English form. (_a_) The Hebrew _pesach_is from a root meaning "to leap over," and, figuratively, to "save," "shew mercy." (_b_) The Greek _pascha_represents the Aramaic or later Hebrew form of the same word, but... [ Continue Reading ]
_the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders_ i. e. the Sanhedrim or _Synedrion_(Greek), or _Sanhedrin_(the later Hebrew form of the word), the supreme council, legislative and administrative, of the Jewish people. _A. The history of the Sanhedrin_. Many learned Rabbis endeavoured to trace t... [ Continue Reading ]
_consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty_ It was no longer possible (1) to entrap Him by argument (Matthew 22:46); (2) to discredit Him with the Roman government (Matthew 22:22); or (3) to take Him by force.... [ Continue Reading ]
_on the feast day_ Better, DURING THE FEAST, including the Passover and the seven days of unleavened bread. _lest there be an uproar among the people_ The great danger at the time of the Passover, when the people, numbering hundreds of thousands, filled the city and encamped in tents outside the wa... [ Continue Reading ]
_Simon the leper_ i. e. he had been a leper. St John, in the parallel passage, says "they made him a supper, and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him." Nothing further is known of Simon. He was evidently a disciple of Jesus and probably a near friend of Lazarus a... [ Continue Reading ]
The Feast in the house of Simon the Leper Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8 St John's narrative places this incident on the evening of the Sabbath the last Sabbath spent by Jesus on earth before the triumphal entry. St Matthew has here disregarded the strictly chronological order. Compare a similar act of... [ Continue Reading ]
_a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment_ "Then took Mary a pound of ointment, very costly" (John). "Ointment of spikenard, very precious" (Mark). The "alabaster box" was "a flask of fragrant oil;" the special kind of ointment named by the Evangelists nard or spikenard was extracte... [ Continue Reading ]
_when his disciples saw it, they had indignation_ "There were some that had indignation" (Mark); "Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot" (John).... [ Continue Reading ]
_When Jesus understood it_ The murmurings had been whispered at first. St Mark says, "had indignation _within themselves_, and said, &c." _a good work_ Rather, A NOBLE AND BEAUTIFUL WORK, denoting a delicate and refined, almost artistic, sense of the fitness of things, which was lacking to the blun... [ Continue Reading ]
_for my burial_ For this use of perfumes cp. 2 Chronicles 16:14, "They laid him (Asa) in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries" art.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Treachery of Judas Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6 St Mark, like St Matthew, connects the treachery of Judas with the scene in Simon's house. His worldly hopes fell altogether at the thought of "burial." It is a striking juxtaposition: as Mary's is the highest deed of loving and clear-sighted faith... [ Continue Reading ]
_covenanted with him_ Rather, WEIGHED OUT FOR HIM; either literally or= "paid him." _thirty pieces of silver_ i. e. thirty silver shekels. St Matthew alone names the sum, which= 120 denarii. The shekel is sometimes reckoned at three shillings, but for the real equivalent in English money see note o... [ Continue Reading ]
_the first day of the feast of unleavened bread_ This was the 14th of Nisan, which commenced after sunset on the 13th; it was also called the preparation (paraskeué) of the passover. The feast of unleavened bread followed the passover, and lasted seven days, from the 15th to the 21st of Nisan. Hence... [ Continue Reading ]
Preparations for the Last Supper Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13 Nisan 13 from the sunset of Wednesday to the sunset of Thursday Jesus seems to have passed in retirement; no events are recorded.... [ Continue Reading ]
_to such a man_ "To a certain man" (one who is known, but not named), with whom the arrangements had been previously made. He was doubtless a follower of Jesus. It was usual for the inhabitants of Jerusalem to lend guestchambers to the strangers who came to the feast.... [ Continue Reading ]
The Last Supper Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38, where the dispute as to who should be the greatest is recorded, and the warning to Peter related as happening before Jesus departed for the Mount of Olives. St John omits the institution of the Eucharist, but relates the washing of the disciples" feet b... [ Continue Reading ]
_he sat down with the twelve_ Rather, RECLINED WITH. This posture had not only become customary at ordinary meals, but was especially enjoined in the passover ritual. The Paschal ceremonial, so far as it bears on the Gospel narrative, may be described as follows: (_a_) The meal began with a cup of... [ Continue Reading ]
_they were exceeding sorrowful_ St John (John 13:22) has the graphic words "then the disciples looked on one another, doubting of whom he spake." It is this moment of intense and painful emotion which Leonardo da Vinci has interpreted by his immortal picture, so true to the spirit of this scene, so... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish_ "He it is to whom I shall give a sop when I have dipped it," John 13:26; here we have the words of the disciple who heard the reply of Jesus, which was probably whispered and not heard by the rest. _dippeth his hand … in the dish_ i. e. in the _charose... [ Continue Reading ]
_good for that man if he had not been born_ A familiar phrase in the Rabbinical Schools, used here with awful depth of certainty.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast said_ This is a formula of assent both in Hebrew and Greek, and is still used in Palestine in that sense. These words seem also to have been spoken in a low voice inaudible to the rest. The special mention of Judas is omitted by St Mark and St Luke.... [ Continue Reading ]
_this is my body_ The exact Greek is "this is the body of me;" St Luke adds, "which is being given for you;" St Paul, "which is being broken for you;" the sacrifice had begun, the body of Christ was already being offered. The expression may be paraphrased: "This the bread and not the paschal lamb, r... [ Continue Reading ]
_he took the cup_ Accurately, according to the highest MS. authority, "_a_cup," see note Matthew 26:20 (_e_).... [ Continue Reading ]
_this is my blood_ The blood of the sacrifice was the seal and assurance of the old covenant, so wine is the seal of the new covenant, under which there is no shedding of blood. _new testament_ The word "new" is omitted in the most ancient MSS. here and in Mark. _testament_ The Greek word means ei... [ Continue Reading ]
_when I drink it new with you_ The reference is to the feast, which is a symbol of the glorified life, cp. Luke 22:30. The new wine signifies the new higher existence (ch. Matthew 9:17), which Christ would share with His Saints. The expression may also symbolize the Christian as distinguished from t... [ Continue Reading ]
_when they had sung a hymn_ Properly, "_the_hymn," the second part of the hallel. See note on Matthew 26:20 (_f_).... [ Continue Reading ]
All shall be offended Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:32-34. Cp. John 16:32 31. _I will smite the shepherd_ Zechariah 13:7. The words do not literally follow the Hebrew. The context describes the purification of Jerusalem in the last days "in that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David... [ Continue Reading ]
The expression, _I will go before you_, lit., I WILL LEAD YOU AS A SHEPHERD, falls in with the thought of the quotation.... [ Continue Reading ]
_before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice_ "This day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice" (Mark). A curious difficulty has been raised here from the fact that it was unlawful for Jews to keep fowls in the Holy City. Such rules, however, could not be appl... [ Continue Reading ]
_Though I should die with thee_ Accurately, EVEN IF I SHALL BE OBLIGED TO DIE WITH THEE.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gethsemane_=the oil press; "over the brook Cedron, where was a garden" (John).... [ Continue Reading ]
The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 18:1 In St Luke's account Matthew 26:43-44 are peculiar to his Gospel. The use of the rare word "agony" by the same evangelist has given the title to this passage. St Luke also relates that "there appeared an angel unto him... [ Continue Reading ]
_Peter and the two sons of Zebedee_ See ch. Matthew 17:1 and Mark 5:37. The Evangelist, St John, was thus a witness of this scene; hence, as we should expect, his narrative of the arrest of Jesus is very full of particulars. _very heavy_ The Greek word conveys the impression of the deepest sorrow;... [ Continue Reading ]
_My soul_ This is important as the one passage in which Jesus ascribes to Himself a human soul. _watch with me_ The Son of man in this dark hour asks for human sympathy. _with me_ Only in Matthew.... [ Continue Reading ]
_went a little further_ The paschal full moon would make deep shadow for the retirement of Jesus. _O my Father_ St Mark has the Aramaic _Abba_as well as the Greek word for Father. _this cup_ See note, ch. Matthew 20:22. Were these words overheard by the sons of Zebedee? If so, the thought of their... [ Continue Reading ]
_saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch_ Note that the verb is in the plural. As Peter took the lead in the promise of devotion, Jesus singles him out for rebuke. St Mark has "Simon (the name of the old life), sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour?... [ Continue Reading ]
_the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak_ The touch of clemency mingled with the rebuke is characteristic of the gentleness of Jesus.... [ Continue Reading ]
_saying the same words_ This repetition of earnestness must be distinguished from the vain repetitions of ch. Matthew 6:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sleep on now … Rise, let us be going_ The sudden transition may be explained either (1) by regarding the first words as intended for a rebuke, or else (2) at that very moment Judas appeared, and the time for action had come. The short, quick sentences, especially as reported by St Mark, favour the... [ Continue Reading ]
The Arrest of Jesus St Mark 14:43-50; St Luke 22:47-53; St John 18:3-11 47. _a great multitude with swords and staves_ St John more definitely, "having received a (strictly, _the_) band (of men) and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees" (Matthew 18:3). The band of men here = the company of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hail, master_ Rather, RABBI. _kissed him_ The Greek verb is forcible, KISSED HIM WITH FERVOUR OR REPEATEDLY.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Friend, wherefore art thou come?_ The Greek word denotes, not friendship, but companionship. It is used in rebuke, ch. Matthew 20:13 and Matthew 22:12. Here the word is relative to the Rabbi, Matthew 26:49, "thou, my disciple." St Luke preserves a further answer to Judas, "betrayest thou the Son o... [ Continue Reading ]
_one of them_ This was St Peter, named by St John, but not by the earlier Evangelists, probably from motives of prudence. _his sword_ Probably a short sword or dirk, worn in the belt. _a servant_ Rather, THE SERVANT, or rather SLAVE; St John gives his name, Malchus. St Luke alone records the cure... [ Continue Reading ]
_all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword_ To this reason for non-resistance Christ added another, "The cup which my Father has given me shall I not drink it?" (John). _take the sword_ i. e. against rightful authority. The truth of this saying was exemplified by the slaughter of nea... [ Continue Reading ]
These verses are peculiar to Matthew; each Evangelist has recorded sayings unnoticed by the others. It is easy to understand that in these exciting moments each bystander should perceive a part only of what was said or done.... [ Continue Reading ]
_presently_ = "immediately"; see ch. Matthew 21:19. _twelve legions of angels_ It is characteristic of this gospel that the authority and kingly majesty of Jesus should be suggested at a moment when every hope seemed to have perished. _legions_ In contrast to the small company of Roman soldiers.... [ Continue Reading ]
_But how then_ Rather, HOW THEN, omit "but.... [ Continue Reading ]
_a thief_ Rather, a robber; see St John 10:1, whence the two words are distinguished. See note, ch. Matthew 21:13. According to St Luke these words were addressed to "the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and elders," where it appears that some members of the Sanhedrin had in their evil ze... [ Continue Reading ]
_all this was done_, &c. These are probably the words of Christ, and not a reflection by the Evangelist (cp. Mark 14:49); if so, they were, for most of the disciples, their Master's last words.... [ Continue Reading ]
Jesus is brought before Caiaphas. The first and informal Meeting of the Sanhedrin St Mark 14:53-65; St Luke 22:54; Luke 22:63-65 St Luke reports this first irregular trial with less detail than the other synoptists, but gives the account of the second _formal_sitting at greater length. It is not... [ Continue Reading ]
_servants_ "Attendants," "retinue.... [ Continue Reading ]
_sought false witness_ See above (1): to _seek_witnesses at all was against the spirit of the law.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days_ The actual words of Jesus spoken (John 2:19) in the first year of his ministry were, "Destroy" (a weaker Greek verb, and not "I am able to destroy") "this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," (the word is appropriate t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou hast said_ See note Matthew 26:25. _Hereafter shall ye see_ Cp. Daniel 7:13; ch. Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 25:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
_rent his clothes_ This act was enjoined by the Rabbinical rules. When the charge of blasphemy was proved "the judges standing on their feet rend their garments, and do not sew them up again." _Clothes_in the plural, because according to Rabbinical directions all the _under_-garments were to be rent... [ Continue Reading ]
_He is guilty of death_ i. e. "has incurred the penalty of death." The Sanhedrin do not pass sentence, but merely re-affirm their foregone conclusion, and endeavour to have sentence passed and judgment executed by the Procurator.... [ Continue Reading ]
_buffeted him_ Struck Him with clenched fist.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prophesy unto us_ Observe the coarse popular idea of prophecy breaking out, according to which prophecy is a meaningless exhibition of miraculous power. A similar vein of thought shews itself in the second temptation (ch. Matthew 4:6).... [ Continue Reading ]
_in the palace_ Rather, IN THE COURT. In Oriental houses the street door opens into an entrance hall or passage: this is the "porch" of Matthew 26:71; beyond this is a central court open to the sky and surrounded by pillars. The reception rooms are usually on the ground floor, and are built round th... [ Continue Reading ]
The Denial of Peter St Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62; John 18:15-18; John 18:25-27 The accounts differ slightly, and exactly in such a way as the evidence of honest witnesses might be expected to differ in describing the minor details (which at the time would appear unimportant) in a scene full of... [ Continue Reading ]
_thy speech bewrayeth thee_ Peter was discovered by his use of the Galilæan dialect. The Galilæans were unable to pronounce the gutturals distinctly, and they lisped, pronouncing _sh_like _th_. Perhaps Peter said, "I know not the _ith_," instead of, "I know not the _ish_" (man). _To bewray_, from t... [ Continue Reading ]