Geneva Study Bible Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. Now the {1} feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
(1) Christ is taken upon the day of the Passover rather by the providence of his Father, than by the will of men. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. {2} Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
(2) God by his wonderful providence causes him to be the minister of our salvation who was the author of our destruction. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and {a} captains, how he might betray him unto them.
(a) Those that had the charge of keeping the temple, who were not from among the priests and bishops, as is shown below in Lu 22:52. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the {b} absence of the multitude.
(b) Without tumult, doing it without the knowledge of the people who used to follow him: and therefore they indeed waited patiently until they knew he was alone in the garden. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. {3} Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover {c} must be killed.
(3) Christ teaches his disciples by an obvious miracle that although he is going to be crucified, yet nothing is hidden from him, and therefore that he is going willingly to death. (c) By the order appointed by the law. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the {d} passover, that we may eat.
(d) The lamb which was the symbol of the passover: And this is said using the figure of speech metonymy, which is often used when talking about the sacraments. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
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. 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.
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? 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?
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. {4} And when the {e} hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
(4) Christ, having ended the passover according to the order of the law, forewarns them that this will be his last banquet with them in terms of this earthly life. (e) The evening and twilight, at which time this supper was to be kept. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I {f} suffer:
(f) I am put to death. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
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. {5} 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.
(5) Christ establishes his new covenant and his communication with us by new symbols. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This {g} cup is {h} the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
(g) Here is a double use of metonymy: for first, the vessel is taken for that which is contained in the vessel, as the cup is spoken of for the wine which is within the cup. Second, the wine is called the covenant or testament, whereas in reality it is but the sign of the testament, or rather of the blood of Christ by which the testament was made: neither is it a vain sign, although it is not the same as the thing that it represents. (h) This word the shows the excellency of the testament, and corresponds to Jer 31:31 where the new testament is promised. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. {6} But, behold, the {i} hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
(6) Christ shows again that he goes willingly to die, although he is not ignorant of Judas' treason. (i) That is, his practice; the Hebrews used to speak in this way, as in 2Sa 14:19: Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! {7} And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
(7) Although the decree of God's providence necessarily comes to pass, yet it does not excuse the fault of those who bring it to pass. And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. {8} And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
(8) The pastors are not called to rule but to serve. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called {k} benefactors.
(k) Have great titles, for so it was the custom to honour princes with some great titles. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. {9} Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
(9) Those who are partakers of the affliction of Christ will also be partakers of his kingdom. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: {10} And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may {l} sift you as wheat:
(10) We must always think about the ambush that Satan lays for us. (l) To toss you and scatter you, and also to cast you out. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. {11} But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
(11) It is through the prayers of Christ that the elect never utterly fall away from the faith: and because of this they should encourage one another on. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. {12} And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
(12) In setting before us the grievous example of Peter, Christ shows that faith differs much from a vain security. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. {m} Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
(m) He says all this using an allegory, as if he said, O my friends and fellow soldiers, you have lived until now in relative peace: but now there is at hand a most severe battle to be fought, and you must therefore lay all other things aside and think about dressing yourselves in armour. And what this armour is, is shown by his own example, when he prayed afterward in the garden and reproved Peter for striking with the sword. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. {13} And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
(13) Christ has made death acceptable unto us by overcoming for our sake all the horrors of death, which had the curse of God accompanying them. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, {14} And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
(14) Prayers are a sure help against the most perilous assaults of our enemies. Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
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. And being in an {n} agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great {o} drops of blood falling down to the ground.
(n) This agony shows that Christ struggled hard and was in great distress: for Christ struggled hard not only with the fears of death as other men do (for in this regard many martyrs might seem more constant then Christ), but also with the fearful judgment of his angry Father, which is the most fearful thing in the world: and this was because he took the burden of all our sins upon himself. (o) These do not only show that Christ was true man, but also other things which the godly have to consider of, in which the secret of the redemption of all mankind is contained in the Son of God when he debased himself to the state of a servant: such things as these no man can sufficiently declare. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, {15} And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
(15) Men are utterly sluggish, even in their greatest dangers. And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
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. {16} 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.
(16) Christ is willingly betrayed and taken so that by his obedience he might deliver us who were guilty of betraying God's glory. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? {17} When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
(17) That zeal which carries us out of the bounds of our God-given position does not please Christ. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
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? {18} 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?
(18) Even the very fear of those who took Christ partly proves their evil conscience, and partly also that all these things were done by God's providence. 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. When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the {p} power of darkness.
(p) The power that was given to darkness to oppress the light for a time. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. {19} And Peter followed afar off.
(19) We have to behold in Peter an example both of the fragility of man's nature, and the singular goodness of God towards his elect. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. {20} And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
(20) Christ bore the shame that was due for our sins. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
And many other things blasphemously spake they against him. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, {21} And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
(21) Christ is wrongly condemned of blasphemy before the high priest's judgment seat in order that we might be acquitted before God from the blasphemy which we deserved. Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth. The Geneva Bible Translation Notes [1599] Bible Hub |
    |