Luke 22:47-53 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

The Arrest (Mark 14:43-52 *, Matthew 26:47-56 *). In Lk.'s account Jesus prevents Judas from giving the kiss. The resistance precedes the arrest (contrast Mk., Mt.).

Luke 22:51. Suffer ye thus far: if spoken to the officers, Excuse this act of resistance; it will not be repeated, or Allow me to heal the wounded man: if to the disciples, Let them go on with the arrest, or Let what you have done suffice.

Luke 22:52. Lk. makes the chief priests and elders themselves present.

Luke 22:53. this is your hour, etc. A Johannine thought cf. John 3:19-21; John 12:35. The hour is predestined; you are children of the night and under cover of darkness do the works of darkness, i.e. of evil. Lk. is not following Mk., hence the omission of the disciples-' flight and the incident of the young man.

Luke 22:47-53

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.

48 But Jesus said unto him,Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered and said,Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

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?

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.