And while they were eating
This phrase sets the scene during the Last Supper, a Passover meal shared by Jesus and His disciples. The Passover meal commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and salvation. The setting is significant as it foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice will bring spiritual deliverance. The communal meal emphasizes fellowship and unity, contrasting with the impending betrayal.

He said to them
Jesus addresses His disciples directly, highlighting His role as teacher and leader. His words carry authority and foreknowledge, demonstrating His divine insight. This moment underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, who have followed Him closely throughout His ministry.

Truly I tell you
This phrase, often used by Jesus, underscores the certainty and importance of His statement. It is a solemn declaration, indicating that what follows is of great significance. Jesus often uses this phrase to introduce profound truths or prophecies, emphasizing His role as the bearer of divine revelation.

one of you will betray Me
The prediction of betrayal introduces a moment of tension and sorrow. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Psalm 41:9, which speaks of betrayal by a close friend. This statement reveals the human frailty and sinfulness even among Jesus' closest followers. It also highlights Jesus' foreknowledge and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, where even acts of betrayal are woven into the divine purpose. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, is the one who will fulfill this prophecy, illustrating the tragic reality of free will and the consequences of turning away from Christ.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is foretelling His betrayal during the Last Supper.

2. The Disciples
The twelve men chosen by Jesus to follow Him and learn from His teachings. They are present with Jesus during the Last Supper.

3. The Last Supper
The final meal Jesus shares with His disciples before His crucifixion, held in Jerusalem. It is a significant event where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the Last Supper takes place, and where Jesus will soon be arrested and crucified.

5. Betrayal
The act of delivering Jesus into the hands of His enemies, which is a fulfillment of prophecy and a pivotal moment leading to His crucifixion.The Sovereignty of God
Jesus's foreknowledge of His betrayal demonstrates God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances.

The Reality of Betrayal
Betrayal is a painful reality, even among close relationships. Christians are called to remain faithful and seek reconciliation, understanding that Jesus Himself experienced betrayal.

Self-Examination
The disciples' reaction to Jesus's statement ("Surely not I, Lord?") encourages believers to examine their own hearts and motives, ensuring their loyalty to Christ.

The Importance of Community
The Last Supper emphasizes the importance of fellowship and community among believers. Christians are encouraged to gather regularly, share in communion, and support one another.

Prophecy and Fulfillment
The events surrounding Jesus's betrayal highlight the reliability of Scripture and the importance of understanding biblical prophecy as it relates to God's redemptive plan.(21) One of you shall betray me.--The words would seem to have been intentionally vague, as if to rouse some of those who heard them to self-questioning. They had not, it is true, shared in the very guilt of the Traitor, but they had yielded to tendencies which they had in common with him, and which were dragging them down to his level. They had joined him in his murmuring (Matthew 26:8), they had been quarrelling, and were about to renew their quarrel, about precedence (Mark 9:34, Luke 22:24). It was well that the abyss should be laid bare before their eyes, and that each should ask himself whether he were indeed on the point of falling into it.

Verse 21. - As they did eat. The details of the Paschal feast are expounded by rabbinical authors, though there is little in St. Matthew's account to lead us to conclude that our Lord observed them on this occasion. The ceremonial usually practised was as follows: The head of the family, sitting in the place of honour, took a cup of wine and water mixed ("the first cup"), pronounced a thanksgiving over it, and, having tasted it, passed it round to the guests; the master washed his hands, the others performing their ablutions at a later part of the service; the dishes were placed on the table; after a special benediction had been spoken over the bitter herbs, the master and the rest of the company took a bunch of these, dipped it in the appointed sauce, and ate it; an unleavened cake was broken and elevated with a prescribed formula; the second cup was filled, the history of the festival was proclaimed, Psalm 113-118, were recited, and the cup was drunk. Now began the proper Paschal meal with a general washing of hands; the lamb was cut into pieces, anda portion given to each, with a bit of the unleavened bread and bitter herbs dipped in the sauce, called by St. John (John 13:26) "the sop." At the end of the meal, which was supplemented by other viands (which, however, were probably eaten before the lamb), the third cup, named by St. Paul (1 Corinthians 10:16) "the cup of blessing," was drunk, and the solemn grace after meat was uttered. It would be necessary to examine St. John's Gospel to see how the ritual fitted into the actual details of the last Supper; we have to deal with St. Matthew's account. Verily I say unto you. Christ thus prepares the apostles for the incredible statement which he is about to make. One of you; εϊς ἐξ ὑμῶν. One out of your number, my chosen companions. He had before spoken vaguely of his betrayal (see Matthew 17:22; Matthew 20:18; Matthew 26:2). By thus showing his knowledge of the coming treachery, and yet declining to denounce the traitor by name, he may have given Judas a last chance of repentance before the final act. St. Matthew omits the washing of the disciples' feet, and the strife about pre-eminence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


And while
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they were eating,
ἐσθιόντων (esthiontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2068: Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.

He said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

“Truly
Ἀμὴν (Amēn)
Hebrew Word
Strong's 281: Of Hebrew origin; properly, firm, i.e. trustworthy; adverbially, surely.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

one
εἷς (heis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

you
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

will betray
παραδώσει (paradōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3860: From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.

Me.”
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 26:21 As they were eating he said Most (Matt. Mat Mt)