But no one at the table knew
This phrase highlights the lack of understanding among the disciples regarding Jesus' actions and words. Despite being with Jesus for an extended period, the disciples often misunderstood His teachings and intentions. This reflects the broader theme in the Gospels of the disciples' gradual comprehension of Jesus' mission. It also underscores the divine mystery of Jesus' plans, which were often hidden from human understanding until the appropriate time.

at the table
The setting is the Last Supper, a significant event in Christian tradition. This meal took place in an upper room in Jerusalem, a city central to Jewish religious life. The Last Supper is a pivotal moment, as it is the occasion where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper or Communion, a sacrament observed by Christians to this day. The table setting also reflects the intimate fellowship Jesus shared with His disciples, akin to the communal meals common in Jewish culture.

knew why Jesus had said this to him
The "him" refers to Judas Iscariot, to whom Jesus had just spoken. The disciples did not understand the significance of Jesus' words to Judas, which were related to Judas' impending betrayal. This lack of understanding is consistent with the theme of spiritual blindness found throughout the Gospels. The disciples' inability to grasp the situation foreshadows the unfolding events of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. This moment also fulfills Old Testament prophecies about betrayal by a close friend, such as Psalm 41:9, which speaks of a trusted companion turning against the Messiah.

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is at the Last Supper with His disciples.

2. Judas Iscariot
One of the twelve disciples, who is about to betray Jesus. Jesus has just given him a piece of bread, indicating his role in the upcoming betrayal.

3. The Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are present at the Last Supper, unaware of the significance of Jesus' words to Judas.

4. The Last Supper
The final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His crucifixion, held in Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the Last Supper takes place, a significant location in Jesus' ministry and the events leading to His crucifixion.Understanding God's Sovereignty
Even when the disciples did not understand Jesus' actions, God’s plan was unfolding perfectly. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances are unclear.

The Danger of Hidden Sin
Judas' betrayal was hidden from the other disciples, reminding us of the destructive nature of secret sin. Confession and repentance are crucial.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
The disciples' lack of understanding highlights the need for spiritual discernment. Pray for wisdom and insight to perceive God's work in your life.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' betrayal was a fulfillment of prophecy, demonstrating the reliability of Scripture. Study the Bible to see how God's promises are fulfilled.

Community and Accountability
The disciples were a community, yet Judas' actions went unnoticed. Engage in accountable relationships within your faith community to support and encourage one another.(28) Now no man at the table knew.--This is a comment of the Apostle's, as he writes in remembrance of the impression made at the time upon all who were present. They heard our Lord say to Judas, "What thou doest, do quickly; "but none of them knew until afterwards that these words referred to the betrayal.

Verses 28, 29. - Now not one (οὐδείς, not even John) of those reclining at table knew with reference to what matter or behoof he said this to him. The τοῦτο is very emphatic, and, on the supposition of the authenticity of the narrative, John expressly disclaims the knowledge. It is arbitrary for Keim to say that John must have known. The whole of this "aside" was the work of a moment. For certain of them were supposing, because Judas held the purse - or, box (see note, John 12:6) - Jesus said to him; Buy the things we have need of for the feast; or, (he spake) in order that he should give something to the poor. (See Introduction, p. 92, for an explanation of this passage, and the use that has been made of it to settle the question of the day of our Lord's death.) If the great feast of the Jews was to be held on the following day, and this was the 13-14th of Nisan, this advice would be perfectly comprehensible, whereas, if it was the 14-15th when Jesus and also all the Jews were celebrating the Passover, the purchase of any articles would have been contrary to law; and on both grounds the conclusion is drawn that this was the evening of the 13-14tb, and that the Paschal meal had certainly been anticipated by Jesus; but this is not absolutely conclusive, because, even though this were the Passover meal, it is certain that further sacrifices, called "Passovers," were consumed on the great day of unleavened bread that followed the Paschal meal, and it is not perfectly certain what was the custom of the Jews with reference to purchase. Talmudic authorities may be quoted both ways; and a large number of distinguished commentators ( Hengstenberg, Tholuck, Lange, M'Clellan) take the latter view, harmonizing John with the synoptists; but considering all the other difficulties that arise, Meyer, Godet, and Westcott take the former view. The supposition of a gift to the poor from the little stock is very suggestive of the almsgiving spirit that had pervaded all the habits of disciples taught by Christ (cf. John 12:5; Galatians 2:10). Hengstenberg urges that the night of the Passover was that above all others on which the poor needed help to rejoice before the Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

[at the table]
ἀνακειμένων (anakeimenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 345: To recline, especially at a dinner-table. From ana and keimai; to recline.

knew
ἔγνω (egnō)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

why
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

[Jesus] had said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

this
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

to him.
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: John 13:28 Now no man at the table knew (Jhn Jo Jn)