Luke 22:47
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Luke 22:47
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.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, salvation, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-71: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 22:47
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.
Analysis
While he yet spake, behold a multitude—The betrayal arrived even as Jesus warned about temptation, giving the disciples no additional time to prepare. He that was called Judas (ὁ λεγόμενος Ἰούδας, ho legomenos Ioudas)—Luke's phrasing distances Judas from his identity as disciple, as if the title no longer fits the traitor. One of the twelve underscores the horror: this betrayer was among Christ's inner circle, chosen personally by Jesus (6:13-16). The verb drew near unto Jesus to kiss him (ἤγγισεν τῷ Ἰησοῦ φιλῆσαι αὐτόν, ēngisen tō Iēsou philēsai auton) describes intimate approach for a gesture of affection.
The kiss (φιλέω, phileō) was the prearranged signal to identify Jesus in the dark (Matthew 26:48). Judas weaponized intimacy, turning a gesture of honor and friendship into an act of treachery. This kiss is history's vilest hypocrisy—betraying the Son of God with a sign of love. Yet Jesus had known from the beginning (John 6:64, 70) and could have prevented it. Instead, He submitted to betrayal as part of the Father's redemptive plan. Judas' kiss sealed not Christ's doom but Judas' own damnation (Luke 22:22).
Historical Context
The 'multitude' (ὄχλος, ochlos) included temple guards, Roman soldiers, and representatives of the Sanhedrin armed with swords and clubs (Matthew 26:47, John 18:3, 12). They came with torches and lanterns expecting resistance, though Jesus surrendered peacefully. The customary greeting kiss between rabbi and disciple made Judas' betrayal method especially contemptible—he perverted sacred tradition into an act of evil. Judas had left the Upper Room hours earlier to finalize his betrayal with the chief priests (22:3-6), receiving 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). He knew Jesus' custom of praying at Gethsemane (John 18:2) and led the arresting party directly there.
Reflection
- How does Judas' use of the kiss to betray Christ expose the danger of religious externalism without heart devotion?
- In what ways might you be 'kissing' Jesus with outward religious gestures while betraying Him through disobedience?
- What does Jesus' willing submission to Judas' betrayal reveal about His commitment to accomplishing your salvation at any cost?