Passover prepared and shared
Luke 22:1–23FocusThe meal and coming betrayal
Connection to the wholeThe betrayal plot and Passover preparations lead to Jesus' words over the meal and announcement of betrayal at the table.
interpretation Luke 22:69
KJVHereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
Read it in context
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Start reading at Luke 22:66 (Luke 22:66 to Luke 22:71).
This passage describes Jesus being led before the council of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, where He makes a direct declaration about His identity and future exaltation.
- 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
- 22:67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:
- 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
- 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
- 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
- 22:71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 22:1–22:71): Jesus shares the supper with the apostles and prays on the Mount of Olives; Judas, the arresting party, Peter, household servants, and the council appear in later scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is Jesus' declaration of His future exaltation and authority to the Jewish council, stating that He will sit "on the right hand of the power of God." The theme is Jesus' divine authority and ultimate reign, despite His current suffering and trial.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the future position of ultimate authority and power that Jesus, the Son of man, will hold. This statement by Jesus confirms His identity and destiny as the Messiah, who will be exalted to God's right hand.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative, specifically a trial scene featuring dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish council.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Luke was written approximately A.D. 60 to 62. book background
- When does the event take place? The event takes place "as soon as it was day" (Luke 22:66) following Jesus' arrest, which occurred around A.D. 30. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The event happened in Jerusalem, specifically where the elders of the people, chief priests, and scribes held their council, after Jesus was led from the high priest's house. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The place where Luke wrote his Gospel is uncertain; it was possibly Caesarea or Rome. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus Before the Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66 to Luke 22:71). Start reading at Luke 22:66. This passage describes Jesus being led before the council of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, where He makes a direct declaration about His identity and future exaltation.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This statement is Jesus' direct response to the council's question, "Art thou the Christ? tell us" (Luke 22:67). It is a pivotal moment in His trial, where He asserts His divine authority and future role, leading to their condemnation of Him. It contrasts sharply with the humiliation and suffering He is currently enduring at their hands. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus, referred to as "the Son of man," declares His future position of authority "on the right hand of the power of God." This points to His divine nature and ultimate exaltation, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's reign and power. It confirms His identity as the Christ, the Son of God, despite His current suffering and rejection. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers can find assurance in the ultimate authority and power of Jesus, who, despite suffering and rejection, is exalted by God. This provides hope and confidence in His sovereignty over all circumstances and His eventual return in glory. interpretation
Cited: Luke 22:69, Luke 22:66, Luke 22:67, Luke 22:54
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- shall Matt 26:64 Mark 14:62
- on Ps 110:1 Dan 7:13-14 Matt 22:44 Mark 16:19 Acts 2:34-36 Acts 7:55-56 Rom 8:34 Eph 1:20-23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 22
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The disciples are instructed
Luke 22:24–38FocusService, failure, and coming change
Connection to the wholeJesus answers rivalry, warns Peter, and prepares the disciples for a changed situation as His suffering approaches.
interpretation Prayer and arrest
Luke 22:39–53FocusSubmission under trial
Connection to the wholeThe garden prayer leads to arrest, contrasting Jesus' submission and restraint with the disciples' weakness and violence.
interpretation FocusFailure beside faithful testimony
Connection to the wholePeter denies Jesus while Jesus endures abuse and examination, moving the narrative toward the charge presented to Pilate.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.