Luke 22:68
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Luke 22:68
68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Chapter Context
Luke 22 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 22:68
68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
Analysis
And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go. Jesus continues exposing the Sanhedrin's bad faith: ean de erōtēsō, ou mē apokrithēte (ἐὰν δὲ ἐρωτήσω, οὐ μὴ ἀποκριθῆτε, 'and if I question, you will never answer'). During His ministry, Jesus asked penetrating questions they couldn't answer without self-condemnation (Luke 20:1-8, source of John's baptism; Luke 20:41-44, David's son or Lord?). They deflected rather than engage. The phrase ē apolysēte (ἢ ἀπολύσητε, 'or release') acknowledges this isn't trial but execution—even if He convinced them, they wouldn't apolyō (ἀπολύω, 'release, set free').
Jesus' words indict their judicial theater. Real trials seek truth through questioning from both sides. This 'trial' seeks predetermined outcome. Jesus exposes their method: they demand He answer their questions but refuse to answer His; they claim impartial justice but have already decided His fate. This fulfills Isaiah 53:8: 'He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living.' No genuine judgment occurred—only power plays masked as legal process.
Historical Context
Throughout His ministry, Jesus' questions exposed the leaders' hypocrisy and ignorance. When they asked 'By what authority?' Jesus responded with a question they couldn't answer (Luke 20:1-8). They feared the crowds and couldn't afford honest answers. Now in custody, Jesus still identifies their dishonesty. His prophetic insight penetrates their pretense. That He's correct—they neither answer nor release Him—vindicates His assessment. This pattern continues: religious/political establishments claim impartiality while predetermining outcomes against truth-tellers.
Reflection
- Why were the religious leaders unable to answer Jesus' questions during His ministry?
- What does this verse teach about the difference between genuine truth-seeking and predetermined conclusions?
- How do modern 'trials' in media or institutions sometimes mirror this judicial theater?