Then
The word "then" serves as a temporal marker, indicating a sequence of events. In the context of Luke 22, this moment follows Jesus' intense prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. The use of "then" highlights the immediacy and divine response to Jesus' earnest supplication. It underscores the narrative's progression from human struggle to divine intervention, emphasizing God's timely provision in moments of deep distress.

an angel
The appearance of "an angel" signifies a divine messenger sent by God. In the Greek, "angelos" means messenger, often denoting a supernatural being dispatched to deliver God's message or aid. This angelic presence underscores the heavenly support available to Jesus, affirming His divine mission and the spiritual realm's active involvement in earthly affairs. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unseen spiritual forces at work in the believer's life.

from heaven
The phrase "from heaven" indicates the origin of the angel, emphasizing the divine source of strength and comfort. Heaven, in biblical terms, is the dwelling place of God and His angels, representing purity, authority, and divine will. This phrase reassures believers of the heavenly resources available to them, reinforcing the idea that God's help is not of this world but transcendent and powerful.

appeared to Him
The phrase "appeared to Him" suggests a visible, tangible manifestation of the angel to Jesus. This appearance is not merely a vision but a real encounter, providing Jesus with the assurance of God's presence. The Greek word "optanomai" implies being seen or becoming visible, highlighting the reality of divine intervention. It serves as a testament to God's readiness to reveal Himself to those in need, offering comfort and strength.

and strengthened Him
The act of strengthening Jesus is pivotal, as it demonstrates the angel's purpose. The Greek word "enischyo" means to make strong or to invigorate, indicating a fortification of Jesus' physical and spiritual resolve. This divine strengthening is crucial as Jesus prepares to face the crucifixion, illustrating God's provision of strength in times of trial. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God equips them with the necessary fortitude to endure their own trials, reinforcing the promise of divine support and empowerment.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, experiencing deep anguish as He prepares for His impending crucifixion.

2. Angel from Heaven
A divine messenger sent by God to provide strength and encouragement to Jesus during His time of intense prayer and emotional struggle.

3. Garden of Gethsemane
The location where Jesus prayed fervently before His arrest. It is a place of solitude and reflection, situated on the Mount of Olives.

4. Heaven
The dwelling place of God and His angels, signifying divine intervention and support in times of need.

5. Prayer
The act of communication with God, which Jesus engages in earnestly, demonstrating His dependence on the Father.Divine Support in Times of Trial
Just as Jesus received strength from an angel, believers can trust that God provides support through His presence and His messengers during difficult times.

The Power of Prayer
Jesus' earnest prayer in Gethsemane underscores the importance of seeking God's will and strength through prayer, especially in moments of distress.

Angelic Ministry
Angels are active participants in God's plan, serving as His messengers and ministers to those in need. Believers can be encouraged by the unseen spiritual support available to them.

Jesus' Humanity and Divinity
This passage highlights both the humanity of Jesus, in His need for strength, and His divinity, in the divine response He receives. It serves as a reminder of His unique nature as both fully God and fully man.

Preparation for Suffering
Jesus' experience in Gethsemane prepares Him for the suffering to come. Believers can learn the importance of spiritual preparation and reliance on God when facing trials.(43) There appeared an angel unto him from heaven.--This and the following verses are omitted by not a few of the best MSS., but the balance of evidence is, on the whole, in their favour. Assuming their truth as part of the Gospel, we ask--(1) How came the fact to be known to St. Luke, when St. Matthew and St. Mark had made no mention of it? and (2) What is the precise nature of the fact narrated? As regards (2), it may be noted that the angel is said to have "appeared to him," to our Lord only, and not to the disciples. He was conscious of a new strength to endure even to the end. And that strength would show itself to others, to disciples who watched Him afar off, in a new expression and look, flashes of victorious strength and joy alternating with throbs and spasms of anguish. Whence could that strength come but from the messengers of His Father, in Whose presence, and in communion with Whom He habitually lived (Matthew 4:11; John 1:51). The ministrations which had been with Him in His first temptation were now with Him in the last (Matthew 4:11). As to (1) we may think of one of the disciples who were present having reported to the "devout women," from whom St. Luke probably, as we have seen, derived so much of the materials for his Gospel (see Introduction), that he had thus seen what seemed to him to admit of no other explanation.

Verse 43. - And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. The Lord's words reported by St. Matthew were no mere figure of rhetoric. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." The anguish and horror were so great that he himself, according to his humanity, must have before the time become the victim of death had he not been specially strengthened from above. This is the deep significance and necessity of the angel's appearance. So Stier and Godet, the latter of whom writes, "As when in the wilderness under the pressure of famine he felt himself dying, the presence of this heavenly being sends a vivifying breath over him, - a Divine refreshing pervades him, body and soul, and it is thus he receives strength to continue to the last the struggle."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

an angel
ἄγγελος (angelos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

from
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

heaven
οὐρανοῦ (ouranou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

appeared
Ὤφθη (Ōphthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

to Him
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[and] strengthened
ἐνισχύων (enischyōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1765: To invigorate, strengthen. From en and ischuo; to invigorate.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him (Luke Lu Lk)