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John 13:23
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom - The Jews of those days, at their suppers, reclined, supported by their left arm, on couches placed round the table, as the Greeks and Romans did. On each couch there were two or three persons; and the head of one of them came near to the bosom of him who reclined above him on the same couch. The person here mentioned was John, the writer of this history, who, being more tenderly loved by Christ than the rest, had always that place at table which was nearest to his Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved--Thus modestly does our Evangelist denote himself, as reclining next to Jesus at the table. Peter . . . beckoned to him to ask who it should be of whom he spake--reclining probably at the corresponding place on the other side of Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom,.... Not pressing upon that part of Christ's body, which would have been irreverent in John, and troublesome to Christ; but leaning at table upon his bed or couch, on which he lay; and which was next to, and just before Christ; so that he was very near unto, and seemed to lie in the bosom of Christ; as such are said to do, who sit next at table to another. The posture of the Jews at table, was either "sitting" or "lying", and a difference they make between these two; "if, say they (d), , "they sat" to eat everyone asked a blessing for himself; but if "they lay down", one asked a blessing for them all.'' This lying down was not on their backs, nor on their right side, but on their left; for they say (e), that "lying down on the back, is not called "lying down"; and lying on the right side, is not called lying down.'' And the reason given is (f), because they have need of the right hand to eat with; but as they elsewhere (g) observe, "they used to eat lying along, leaning on the left side, their feet to the ground, and every man on a single couch.'' Would you know the order in which they, lay, take the account as they have given it (h); "when there were but two couches, the principal person lay first, and the second to him above him; and when there were three, the principal person lay in the middle, the second to him above him, and the third below him; and if he would talk with him, he raised himself upright, and sitting upright he talked with him; that is, as the gloss explains it, if the principal person was desirous to talk with him that was second to him, he must raise himself up from his lying down, and sit upright; for all the white he is leaning, he cannot talk with him, because he that is second to him, is behind the head of the principal person, and the face of the principal person is turned to the other side; and it is better for the second to sit below him, that he may hear his words, whilst he is leaning.'' The form in which Christ and his disciples sat or lay at table, we may conceive was this (i); a table was placed in the middle and as many beds or couches round it, as there were persons; Christ the principal and most worthy person lay first, with his head toward the table, his face somewhat turned from it, leaning on his left elbow upon the couch; in this posture lay Jesus, upon the first couch; in the same posture lay John, in the next to him, and just before him; the hinder part of his head being towards, and near the breast and bosom of Jesus; whence he is said to lean upon it: now to lie next to the principal person, was a very great honour, as well as a mark of great affection; and for John to lie next to Jesus, and as it were to lean on his bosom, showed how much he was respected and honoured by him; and therefore John modestly conceals his name, and only says, one of his disciples whom Jesus loved; Christ, as the Son of God, and surety of his people, loved his true disciples, as he does all his elect, alike; not one more than the other; but as man, he had a particular affection for this disciple, and therefore admitted him near his person, and was very familiar with him. (d) Misn. Beracot, c. 6. sect. 6. (e) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 108. 1. (f) Gloss in ib. (g) Gloss in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 46. 2. & Bartenora in Misn. Beracot, c. 6. sect. 6. (h) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 46. 2. (i) Vid. Alstorphium delectis veterum, p. 109, 110.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:23 The disciple Jesus loved appears at the cross (19:26-27), at the tomb (20:2-9), and at the resurrection (21:1, 20-23). He is the author of this Gospel (21:24-25). Some scholars believe that Lazarus was in fact the disciple whom Jesus loved (see 11:3, 5, 36), but the person referred to here was among the twelve apostles and is usually identified as the apostle John. • was sitting next to Jesus at the table: Literally was reclining on Jesus’ bosom. They were probably reclining at a triclinium, a U-shaped table with couches. Guests reclined on the couches, while the center provided access to servers. The diners supported their bodies by their left elbows while using their right hands for eating. Feet were extended away from the table (cp. Luke 7:38).
John 13:23
Jesus Predicts His Betrayal
22The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. 23One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.24So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Commited Persons
By William MacDonald2.1K37:46CommitmentMAT 4:19MAT 6:33MAT 26:14MRK 12:41LUK 8:1JHN 1:29JHN 13:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's principles and faith, even in the face of persecution and adversity. He uses the example of the three young men in the Bible who refused to bow down to the king's idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace. Despite the intense heat, they were miraculously protected by God. The speaker also highlights the unwavering determination of the apostle Paul and encourages listeners to have the same steadfastness in their own lives. He concludes by discussing the story of Daniel and his friends, who remained faithful to God and were ultimately honored and blessed.
Necessity of Seeing Jesus as King
By David Smithers1.9K1:00:51KingdomPSA 24:7PSA 47:2ISA 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 13:23COL 1:13REV 1:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of how surrendering their heart to God allowed the word of God to have a deeper impact on their life. They emphasize the importance of being subject to God in all areas of life in order for His word to be powerful. The speaker encourages the audience to seek a revelation of the King, which will reveal the state of their own hearts and bring about new understanding and needs. They also highlight the need to fully surrender to God as King in order to believe and stand on His promises. The sermon references Isaiah's vision of the Lord high and lifted up as an example of the awe and reverence we should have for God.
Week of Meetings 01 the Love of God
By Benard Fell89340:08LovePSA 22:16MAT 6:33JHN 1:18JHN 13:23ROM 5:8HEB 13:14REV 22:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the person of Jesus Christ and His love, rather than being consumed by the negative conditions of the world. The preacher describes the love of God in three aspects: its manifestation, measure, and manner. The love of God is wide, embracing the whole world, and deep, demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The ultimate expression of God's love is seen in the promise of eternal life and being with Christ in heaven. The preacher encourages the audience to meditate on the dimensions of God's love and to find comfort and hope in it.
Light, Life, and Love - Part 1
By Roy Hession84348:56LoveJHN 1:4JHN 13:231JN 1:51JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses three main themes: life, light, and love. He emphasizes that these three things have come into the world through Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, the world is dead and in darkness. The preacher also highlights the importance of walking in the light and confessing our sins, as this leads to fellowship with God and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that these themes of life, light, and love are all manifestations of Jesus, whom John loves and worships.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Love Me
By Jack Hyles55347:28PSA 91:4MAT 6:33MAT 23:37MAT 26:6JHN 13:23JHN 13:25In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between weeping with hope and weeping without hope. He shares a story about a family mourning the loss of a loved one, where one member took the loss particularly hard. The speaker also recounts a personal experience at an airport, observing two mothers saying goodbye to their sons, one going to Vietnam and the other to college. The speaker emphasizes that although both mothers cried, their tears were different because of the varying levels of danger their sons would face. The sermon concludes with a reference to the Song of Solomon, highlighting the love and embrace of Jesus for his people.
(Radical Jesus) 30 Radical Prayer
By Glenn Meldrum34324:41PrayerISA 55:2MIC 6:8MAT 6:33MAT 10:36JHN 13:232PE 1:3REV 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a close relationship with God. He compares it to the intimacy between Abraham and God, as well as the Apostle John leaning on Jesus' bosom. The speaker highlights that many Christians lack God's heart for the world because they have not gotten close enough to Him. He emphasizes that knowing and loving God requires investing one's life and being willing to give up everything. The sermon also addresses the need for a genuine relationship with Jesus, as well as the consequences of living a spiritually bankrupt life. The speaker quotes from Isaiah 55, urging listeners to seek God and not waste their efforts on things that do not satisfy. The sermon concludes with a powerful statement from George Whitfield, highlighting the importance of preaching about a real and felt Christ.
John the Apostle: His Threefold Identity (Jn. 21:20)
By Mike Bickle251:08:34Identity in ChristIntimacy With GodGEN 15:1PSA 27:4MRK 3:17LUK 10:39JHN 13:23JHN 15:9JHN 17:23JHN 21:20ACT 8:14REV 1:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound intimacy with God that John the Apostle experienced, highlighting John's threefold identity as the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who leaned on Jesus' heart, and the one who received the secrets of God. Bickle urges believers to pursue this same intimacy, recognizing that the primary reward is not earthly achievements but the love and presence of God. He contrasts the secondary rewards that often distract believers with the primary reward of knowing and experiencing God's heart. Bickle encourages the congregation to align their mindset with biblical truths to overcome spiritual burnout and disillusionment, just as John did throughout his life.
The Apostle John: His Threefold Spiritual Identity (Jn. 21:20)
By Mike Bickle241:18:52The Love of GodIdentity in ChristGEN 15:1MAT 22:37JHN 13:23JHN 15:9JHN 21:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative journey of the Apostle John, illustrating how he evolved from a 'son of thunder' to the 'disciple whom Jesus loved.' Bickle encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Jesus as their greatest reward, rather than seeking success in ministry or personal achievements. He highlights the importance of feeling God's love and responding to it, advocating for a shift in mindset that places love for God above all else. Through John's example, Bickle inspires listeners to lean into their identity as beloved children of God and to pursue a deeper connection with Him.
Draw Near to Hear - Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.191:07:11Seeking GodDrawing Near to GodThe Power of WordsPSA 139:23PRO 18:21ISA 29:13MAT 11:28JHN 13:23JAS 3:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the transformative power of drawing near to God to hear His heart, urging believers to overcome fears and failures that hinder their relationship with Him. He illustrates that true nearness to God enhances our ability to hear Him clearly, just as understanding one another's hearts improves communication in relationships. The sermon challenges listeners to prioritize listening over speaking, recognizing that our words carry significant weight and consequences. Beach encourages repentance and a commitment to draw closer to God, assuring that this nearness will lead to clarity and healing in our lives and relationships. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt response to God's love, inviting everyone to embrace the challenge of drawing near to Him.
Toward Christ and Away From Sin
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 5:5JHN 13:23ROM 8:37PHP 3:14Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the concept of being more than conquerors through Christ's love, urging believers to seek full, glorious victory in the Holy War against sin. She encourages not just abstaining from sin but actively pursuing the opposite virtues by stretching forward to Christ and His holiness. Tileston highlights the importance of striving for absolute conquest over sin early on to avoid prolonged and difficult battles, emphasizing the need to keep irritability under control to prevent a more significant struggle with passion.
Leaning Upon Her Beloved
By A.B. Simpson0Trust in GodLeaning on JesusPSA 34:8PSA 55:22SNG 1:7ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 6:35JHN 13:23PHP 4:19HEB 4:161PE 5:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of fully leaning on Jesus, akin to John resting on His breast at the Last Supper, as a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. He illustrates that true love for Christ involves casting all our cares upon Him without reservation, as He is capable of managing our burdens and fulfilling our needs. Simpson encourages believers to not only lean on Christ but also to feed on His life, highlighting that this resting and reliance is essential for the weary heart. He draws from the imagery of a heathen woman who sought confidence in her missionary, urging us to trust fully in the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to seek Jesus, asking where He nourishes His flock, as we lean upon Him.
Oh, to Be With Christ
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JHN 13:23ACT 4:132CO 3:18PHP 2:5COL 3:10Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the transformation into the image of Jesus Christ, emphasizes the importance of hearts and souls that reflect the love and truth of Christ, as seen in Acts 4:13 where people recognized the disciples had been with Jesus. To rest on the loving heart of Jesus like St. John, one must contemplate Christ's meekness, humility, love for friends and foes, and obedient resignation to God's will. By earnestly seeking to be transformed into the likeness of Christ through deep contemplation and self-reflection, one can find solace and richness in Christ's image.
All Types
By George Matheson0CourageDiversity in GiftsMAT 14:29JHN 13:23JHN 20:4ACT 4:13George Matheson emphasizes the distinct types of boldness exhibited by Peter and John, both of whom derived their courage from their time with Jesus. While Peter's boldness is characterized by action and decisiveness, John's boldness is marked by patience and endurance. Matheson illustrates that Christ equips individuals with different forms of courage to meet the diverse challenges of life, highlighting that both action and waiting are essential in the kingdom of God. He concludes that both types of courage are necessary, as life presents moments for both active engagement and patient endurance.
The Everlasting Arms
By J.R. Miller0God's ProtectionTrust in God's PromisesDEU 33:27PSA 139:9ISA 26:4ISA 46:4JHN 13:23ROM 15:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the comforting promise that 'the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms,' illustrating how God's promises are timeless and applicable to all believers. He encourages Christians to draw strength and hope from Scripture, likening God's love and protection to that of a mother's embrace, which remains steadfast through life's trials and tribulations. Miller reassures that God's everlasting arms provide security and support, especially in moments of weakness, fear, and sorrow, reminding us that we are never alone. He highlights the importance of unwavering trust in God, which leads to peace and joy amidst life's challenges. Ultimately, Miller calls believers to rest in the assurance of God's enduring love and strength.
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
By J.R. Miller0Trust in God's LoveIntimacy with ChristPSA 91:1ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 13:23JHN 15:16ROM 8:38PHP 4:61PE 5:71JN 4:19REV 21:4J.R. Miller reflects on the profound intimacy between Jesus and John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, emphasizing the importance of resting in Christ's love rather than relying on our own efforts. He illustrates how true faith involves leaning on Jesus' bosom, symbolizing trust and surrender during life's trials and uncertainties. Miller encourages believers to find peace and security in Christ's love, especially in dark times, and highlights that it is Christ's love for us that transforms our character and brings us closer to Him. He concludes by reminding us that there is always room in Christ's bosom for all who seek refuge and comfort.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom - The Jews of those days, at their suppers, reclined, supported by their left arm, on couches placed round the table, as the Greeks and Romans did. On each couch there were two or three persons; and the head of one of them came near to the bosom of him who reclined above him on the same couch. The person here mentioned was John, the writer of this history, who, being more tenderly loved by Christ than the rest, had always that place at table which was nearest to his Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved--Thus modestly does our Evangelist denote himself, as reclining next to Jesus at the table. Peter . . . beckoned to him to ask who it should be of whom he spake--reclining probably at the corresponding place on the other side of Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom,.... Not pressing upon that part of Christ's body, which would have been irreverent in John, and troublesome to Christ; but leaning at table upon his bed or couch, on which he lay; and which was next to, and just before Christ; so that he was very near unto, and seemed to lie in the bosom of Christ; as such are said to do, who sit next at table to another. The posture of the Jews at table, was either "sitting" or "lying", and a difference they make between these two; "if, say they (d), , "they sat" to eat everyone asked a blessing for himself; but if "they lay down", one asked a blessing for them all.'' This lying down was not on their backs, nor on their right side, but on their left; for they say (e), that "lying down on the back, is not called "lying down"; and lying on the right side, is not called lying down.'' And the reason given is (f), because they have need of the right hand to eat with; but as they elsewhere (g) observe, "they used to eat lying along, leaning on the left side, their feet to the ground, and every man on a single couch.'' Would you know the order in which they, lay, take the account as they have given it (h); "when there were but two couches, the principal person lay first, and the second to him above him; and when there were three, the principal person lay in the middle, the second to him above him, and the third below him; and if he would talk with him, he raised himself upright, and sitting upright he talked with him; that is, as the gloss explains it, if the principal person was desirous to talk with him that was second to him, he must raise himself up from his lying down, and sit upright; for all the white he is leaning, he cannot talk with him, because he that is second to him, is behind the head of the principal person, and the face of the principal person is turned to the other side; and it is better for the second to sit below him, that he may hear his words, whilst he is leaning.'' The form in which Christ and his disciples sat or lay at table, we may conceive was this (i); a table was placed in the middle and as many beds or couches round it, as there were persons; Christ the principal and most worthy person lay first, with his head toward the table, his face somewhat turned from it, leaning on his left elbow upon the couch; in this posture lay Jesus, upon the first couch; in the same posture lay John, in the next to him, and just before him; the hinder part of his head being towards, and near the breast and bosom of Jesus; whence he is said to lean upon it: now to lie next to the principal person, was a very great honour, as well as a mark of great affection; and for John to lie next to Jesus, and as it were to lean on his bosom, showed how much he was respected and honoured by him; and therefore John modestly conceals his name, and only says, one of his disciples whom Jesus loved; Christ, as the Son of God, and surety of his people, loved his true disciples, as he does all his elect, alike; not one more than the other; but as man, he had a particular affection for this disciple, and therefore admitted him near his person, and was very familiar with him. (d) Misn. Beracot, c. 6. sect. 6. (e) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 108. 1. (f) Gloss in ib. (g) Gloss in T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 46. 2. & Bartenora in Misn. Beracot, c. 6. sect. 6. (h) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 46. 2. (i) Vid. Alstorphium delectis veterum, p. 109, 110.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:23 The disciple Jesus loved appears at the cross (19:26-27), at the tomb (20:2-9), and at the resurrection (21:1, 20-23). He is the author of this Gospel (21:24-25). Some scholars believe that Lazarus was in fact the disciple whom Jesus loved (see 11:3, 5, 36), but the person referred to here was among the twelve apostles and is usually identified as the apostle John. • was sitting next to Jesus at the table: Literally was reclining on Jesus’ bosom. They were probably reclining at a triclinium, a U-shaped table with couches. Guests reclined on the couches, while the center provided access to servers. The diners supported their bodies by their left elbows while using their right hands for eating. Feet were extended away from the table (cp. Luke 7:38).