Luke 22:67
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 22:67
67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, love, covenant. 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 22:67
67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
Analysis
Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: The Sanhedrin's question is direct: ei sy ei ho Christos, eipon hēmin (εἰ σὺ εἶ ὁ Χριστός, εἰπὸν ἡμῖν, 'if you are the Christ, tell us'). They demand confession to secure conviction—Jesus' own testimony will condemn Him. Christos (Χριστός, 'Christ, Messiah, Anointed One') was politically charged. Jesus' response exposes their duplicity: ean hymīn eipō, ou mē pisteusēte (ἐὰν ὑμῖν εἴπω, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε, 'if I tell you, you will never believe'). The double negative ou mē (οὐ μή) is emphatic—'certainly not, absolutely never.'
Jesus identifies the real issue: not lack of evidence but refusal to believe. He had claimed messiahship implicitly and explicitly throughout His ministry—His miracles, teaching, and fulfillment of prophecy testified clearly. Their question isn't seeking truth but seeking ammunition. Jesus' answer prophesies their unbelief—regardless of His response, they won't pisteuō (πιστεύω, 'believe, trust, commit to'). This verse fulfills John 5:39-40: 'Search the scriptures... ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.' The problem isn't insufficient evidence but hardened hearts.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin needed Jesus to self-incriminate because their witnesses contradicted each other (Mark 14:56-59). Under Jewish law, conviction required consistent testimony from multiple witnesses. By demanding Jesus testify against Himself, they violated the principle against self-incrimination. Yet Jesus grants their request (v. 69-70), knowing conviction serves God's purposes. His trial wasn't legal determination of guilt but predetermined condemnation. The chief priests sought Roman cooperation (Luke 23:2) to execute Jesus, requiring political charges (insurrection, treason) not merely religious ones (blasphemy).
Reflection
- Why does Jesus say 'you will not believe' rather than give a direct answer?
- What does this exchange reveal about the difference between seeking truth and seeking ammunition?
- How does hardness of heart prevent belief regardless of evidence?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith