John 13:18 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

I speak not of you all - the "happy are ye," of John 13:17, being on no supposition applicable to Judas.

I know whom I have chosen - in the higher sense.

But, that the scripture may be fulfilled: - q.d., 'Wonder not that one has been introduced into your number who is none of Mine: it is by no accident: there is no mistake; it, is just that he might fulfill his predicted destiny.'

He that eateth bread with me - "that did eat of my bread" (Psalms 41:9), as one of My family; admitted to the nearest familiarity of discipleship and of social life,

Hath lifted up his heel against me - turned upon Me, adding insult to injury. (Compare Hebrews 10:29.) In the Psalm the immediate reference is to Ahithophel's treachery against David (2 Samuel 17:1-29); one of those scenes in which the parallel of his story with that of his great Antitype is exceedingly striking. The eating bread,' says Stier (with whom, as with others who hold that Judas partook of the Lord's Supper, we agree), derives a fearful meaning from the participation in the sacramental Supper, a meaning which must be applied forever to all unworthy communicants, as well as to all betrayers of Christ who eat the bread of His Church.'

John 13:18

18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.