1Christ again foretelleth his own death. 3The rulers conspire against him. 6A woman poureth precious ointment upon his head. 14Judas bargaineth to betray him. 17Christ eateth the passover, and pointeth out the traitor: 26he instituteth his last supper: 30foretelleth the desertion of his disciples, and Peter's denial of him. 36His agony and prayer in the garden. 47He is betrayed and apprehended. 51One of the servants of the high priest hath his ear cut off; Jesus forbiddeth opposition: 57he is carried to Caiaphas, falsely accused, examined, pronounced guilty, and treated with indignity. 69Peter's denial and repentance.
1AND it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all 1these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
1 Namely, thus far related in the previous chapters, so that Christ, having thus far fulfilled His Prophetical office, begins now to enter further into His Priestly office.
2Yea know that after two days is the feast of the 2passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
a Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1; John 13:1.
2 This is an Hebrew word, signifying a passing by or passing over, from which was denominated the first of the three great yearly feasts of the Jews, kept on the fourteenth day of the first month, agreeing for the most part with our March; instituted in remembrance of the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt; and especially for the destroying angel, who killed the firstborn of the Egyptians, that passed by the houses of the Israelites. See hereof Exodus 12. At which time Christ has also been willing to be slain, because the killing of the paschal lamb was a type thereof. See 1 Cor. 5:7, 8.
3Thenb assembled together 3the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, 4unto the palace of the high priest, who was called 5Caiaphas,
b Psalm 2:2; John 11:47; Acts 4:27.
3 Of all these at that time consisted the High or Great Counsel of the Jews, by which the weightiest matters were handled and transacted, whereof the high priest was the head and chief.
4 Or, unto the court, or unto the hall.
5 Of this Caiaphas, see also John 11:49, and in Josephus, Antiq. lib. 18, cap.3, 6.
4And consulted that they might take Jesus 6by subtilty,c and kill him.
6 Because they dared not do it openly for fear of the people.
c cunning*
5But they said, 7Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
7 That is, let us not tarry till the feast, but prevent it, as it also happened.
6¶Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon 8the leper,
8 Not that he was then a leper, for such might not dwell in the cities or villages, neither might men eat or converse with them, Num. 5:2, but that either he had been such, or had such a surname from his ancestors.
7Thered came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of 9very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
d Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; John 11:2; 12:3.
9 Gr. of an heavy price, which is expressed in Mark 14:5.
8But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9For this ointment might have been sold for 10much, and given to the poor.
10 Or, for plenty.
10When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought 11a good work upon me.
11 That is, that which she has done unto Me is well done.
11Fore ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have 12not always.
e Deut. 15:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8.
12 Namely, according to My bodily presence, for, according to His Godhead and grace, He always abides with us, Mat. 28:20.
12For in that she hath 13poured this ointment on my body, she did it 14for my burial.
13 Gr. cast.
14 Not that this woman had such an intent, but that God’s Providence so ordered the same, that His body would be so anointed just before His death; as the dead bodies of persons of dignity are so prepared for their burial, Gen. 50:2. See likewise, Mark 14:8, and the Greek word also implies such.
13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
14¶Thenf one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
f Mark 14:10; Luke 22:4.
15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will 15deliver him unto you? And they 16covenanted with him for thirtyg pieces of 17silver.
15 Namely, secretly, without trouble, and without the knowledge of the people.
16 Or, promised, or weighed unto (him), as this word is also sometimes taken, because in former times money was used to be weighed out unto (men), Gen. 23:16; 1 Kings 20:39.
g Zech. 11:12.
17 Gr. silverlings. This word, when it is thus set alone, commonly signifies a shekel, which was either of the sanctuary, in value about half a Ricks dollar; or, an ordinary one, worth half so much. And this was the price wherewith satisfaction was to be made for a slave, who was killed by someone’s ox, Exod. 21:32. And it seems that they valued Christ at no more than a slave used to be valued, as God is to complain hereof, Zech. 11:12, 13, and the same is shown in Mat. 27:9.
16And from that time he sought 18opportunity to betray him.
18 Or, a suitable time.
17¶Nowh the 19first day of theifeast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
h Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7.
19 That is, on that day, in which the Jews were to begin to eat unleavened bread at evening, and to kill the paschal lamb.
i Exod. 12:17.
18And he said, Go into the city to 20such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
20 To such an one we speak when we point to a person by certain signs, whose name we do not express, Ruth 4:1. The signs of this man are set forth, Mark 14:13; Luke 22:10.
19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready 21the passover.
21 That is, the paschal lamb; an improper manner of speaking, very usual in the Holy Scripture, when speaking about sacraments.
20Nowj22when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
j Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14; John 13:21.
22 Therefore Christ did eat the passover at the due time, on the evening of the fourteenth day, as God had commanded, Exod. 12:6, 18; Lev. 23:5. But the Jews at that time did not eat the same till the evening of the next day, as appears by the whole history, and especially John 18:28. Which came to pass through an old custom, whereby, when the fourteenth day fell on the day before the sabbath, they put off the same to the following sabbath, that they might not be necessitated to rest from their work two days, one after another. Therefore Christ is the true Passover, offered up for our sins on the very day ordained by God.
21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that onek of you shall betray me.
k Acts 1:17.
22And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23And he answered and said, 23He thatl dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
23 That is, one who daily eats with Me, who is My fellow resident, and fellow boarder. See Psalm 41:9; Mark 14:20; John 13:18. Not that Christ just then dipped in together with him, for, in this way the disciples would have been able to know undoubtedly who he was.
l Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:21; John 13:18.
24The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but 24woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
24 Therefore God’s Providence does not acquit those men who do evil.
25Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, 25Thou hast said.
25 This is a manner of speaking, when men will not say a thing downright, but notwithstanding do not deny it, See hereafter verses 64, 65. Compare it with Mark 14:62.
26¶Andm26as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and 27blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; 28this is 29my body.
m Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23.
26 That is, as after the eating of the paschal lamb, they sat yet at the table.
27 Luke, in Luke 22:19, and Paul, in 1 Cor. 11:24, in stead of having blessed, use the words having given thanks, as some Greek copies have it here also. So that to bless and to thank or give thanks, are taken for one and the same thing, and signify to separate the bread, as also afterwards the wine, from the common use, and by thanksgiving to God to sanctify, or apply it to an holy use, as Gen. 2:3, the seventh day is hallowed and blessed by God.
28 Namely, bread, as the thing itself shows, and Paul declares in 1 Cor. 10:16.
29 That is, a sign of My body, according to the manner of speaking usual in the sacraments, as before a lamb is called passover, verse 19, the bread the communion of the body of Christ, 1 Cor. 10:16, and the cup the new testament, 1 Cor. 11:25, because they are signs and seals of our spiritual communion with Christ, and of the New Testament, which is confirmed with His blood.
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave 30it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
30 Namely, the cup.
28For this is 31my bloodn of the new testament, which is 32shed for many for the remissiono of sins.
31 That is, a sign of My blood, as before, in verse 26, the bread is called His body.
n Exod. 24:8.
32 That is, shall be shed very shortly. See hereof, Heb. 9:14, 15, etc., where the apostle gives a broad exposition of this blood of the New Testament, with an antithesis of it to the blood of the Old Testament.
o forgiveness, pardon
29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until 33that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
33 Some understand this of the time of forty days after His resurrection, in which He did eat and drink with His disciples, Acts 10:41. Others of the eternal joy in everlasting life, which is everywhere compared to a feast, Mat. 8:11; Luke 22:29; Rev. 19:9.
30Andp when they had sung 34an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
p Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39; John 18:1.
34 According to the custom of the Jews, who then used to sing certain psalms, as some conceive from the 113th unto the 119th Psalm.
31Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because 35of me this night: for it is written, Iq will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
35 Gr. in Me.
q Zech. 13:7; John 16:32.
32Butr after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
r Mark 14:28; 16:7.
33Peter answered and said unto him, Thoughs all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
s Luke 22:33.
34Jesus said unto him, Verilyt I say unto thee, That this night, 36before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
t John 13:38.
36 That is, before the morning arrives, when the roosters commonly begin to crow the last time, Mark 13:35.
35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36¶Thenu cometh Jesus with them unto 37a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
u Mark 14:32; Luke 22:39; John 18:1.
37 Or, village, namely, of houses and gardens. John 18:1 says that it was a garden, where Christ used to go to pray.
37And he took with him Peter and the 38two sons of Zebedee, and began to be 39sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Namely, James and John, Mark 10:35.
39 By these words is given to understand an extreme grief and distress, which wrung the bloody sweat from Him, Luke 22:44, and arose, not so much from fear and apprehension of the cruel death at hand, which even many martyrs have undergone without fear, as indeed out of the anticipation of the burden of the wrath of God, and the pains of hell, which He suffered for us upon the cross, Isa. 53:4, 5, 6; Gal. 3:13.
38Thenv saith he unto them, My soul is 40exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
v John 12:27.
40 Or, on all sides, that is, as it were, compassed about with sorrow.
39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, Ow my Father, if it be possible, let 41this cupx42pass from me: neverthelessy not 43as I will, but as thou wilt.
w Luke 22:41.
41 That is, this bitter suffering. See Mat. 20:22.
x Mat. 20:22, 23.
42 Or, go away.
y John 6:38.
43 Namely, according to the inclination which is implanted in human nature to avoid its own destruction, which I, notwithstanding, submit to Thy will in all things. And therefore this inclination of Christ was without sin.
40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, 44What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
44 Gr. Thus.
41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: thez45spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
z Gal. 5:17.
45 That is, your will indeed is good, but is hindered by your natural frailty.
42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were 46heavy.
46 Namely, with drowsiness, through grief and watching.
44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, 47Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
47 This He says by way of reproof, as they oftentimes seem to permit one thing at length when it is too late and past remedy, from which they dissuaded him in vain.
46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47¶Andaa while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him 48a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
aa Mark 14:43; Luke 22:47; John 18:3.
48 Namely, an entire band of soldiers with the servants of the chief priests and scribes. See John 18:3.
48Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissedab him.
ab 2 Sam. 20:9.
50And Jesus said unto him, 49Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
49 Gr. companion.
51And, behold, 50one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and 51smote off his ear.
50 Namely, Peter. See John 18:10.
51 Gr. took away his ear.
52Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: forac all they that 52take the sword shall perish 53with the sword.
ac Gen. 9:6; Rev. 13:10.
52 Namely, without a lawful call or order for it.
53 Namely, by order and command of the magistrate, to whom the sword is given for this end to punish murderers with death, Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13:4.
53Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presentlyad give me more than twelve 54legions of angels?
ad immediately
54 A legion with the Romans was a regiment of soldiers consisting of some thousands, sometimes four, sometimes six, and sometimes more.
54But how then shall the scripturesae be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
ae Psalm 22:6; 69:1, 9; Luke 24:25.
55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a 55thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
55 Or, highway robber.
56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Thenaf all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
af Job 19:13; Psalm 88:8.
57¶Andag they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away 56to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
ag Mark 14:53; Luke 22:54; John 18:12.
56 Namely, after that they had first brought Him to Annas, who was Caiaphas’ father in law, John 18:13.
58But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s 57palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
57 Or, unto the hall.
59Nowah the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
ah Mark 14:55; Acts 6:13.
60But 58found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
58 Namely, that with any pretext could be produced to condemn Him thereupon.
61And said, 59This fellow said, Iai am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
59 This was a perversion of the words of Christ, John 2:19, for Christ has not stated there: I can break down the temple, etc., but: break ye down the temple, etc., understanding it of the temple of His body.
ai John 2:19.
62Andaj the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
aj Mark 14:60.
63Butak Jesus 60held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
ak Isa. 53:7; Mat. 27:12, 14.
60 Thereby to give to understand that this matter was so groundless, that it was not worthy to be answered.
64Jesus saith unto him, 61Thou hast said: neverthelessal I say unto you, Hereafter 62shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
61 See verse 25.
al Psalm 110:1; Dan. 7:13; Mat. 16:27; 24:30; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69; Acts 1:11; Rom. 14:10; 1 Thes. 4:16; Rev. 1:7.
62 That is, you shall then find indeed that I am the Son of God, especially when you must appear before Me to be judged.
65Then the high priest 63rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
63 This the Jews used to do when they would show an extreme grief, or displeasure on certain occasions, as hearing of blasphemy, etc. See 2 Kings 19:1.
66What think ye? They answered and said, Heam is guiltyan of death.
am Lev. 24:16.
an worthy of*
67Thenao did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; andap others 64smote him with the palms of their hands,
ao Isa. 50:6.
ap Job 16:10; John 19:3.
64 Other, smote Him with sticks or rods.
68Saying, Prophesyaq unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
aq Luke 22:64.
69¶Nowar Peter sat 65without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus 66of Galilee.
ar Mark 14:66; Luke 22:55; John 18:16, 25.
65 Namely, outside the place where the Jewish council was assembled, before which Christ stood, as appears by verses 71, 75.
66 Such He is called here, because He was brought up at Nazareth, which was a city of Galilee. See verse 71 and Mat. 2:23.
70But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71And when he was gone out into 67the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
67 Or, portal, hallway.
72And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
73And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech 68bewrayethas thee.
68 Namely, because you are a Galilean, as Mark 14:70 and Luke 22:59, do express.
as betrays, reveals
74Then began he to 69curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
69 That is, wishing the curse or vengeance of God upon himself, in case he knew Him.
75And Peter 70remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Beforeat the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
70 Namely, after Christ had looked on him. See Luke 22:61.
at verse 34; Mark 14:30; Luke 22:61; John 13:38.