What does Luke 22:28 mean?
Explanation
"Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations." - Luke 22:28 (KJV)
This verse records Jesus' words to His apostles during the Last Supper, a moment of intimate conversation before His crucifixion.
The term "temptations" signifies trials, adversities, or testing situations.
In this context, it acknowledges the challenges and opposition Jesus faced during His earthly ministry.
By saying "Ye are they which have continued with me," Jesus acknowledges the disciples' loyalty and commitment to Him despite the hardships.
The deeper meaning of this verse goes beyond just historical loyalty. It touches on themes of faithfulness, perseverance, and partnership in spiritual endeavors. Jesus is affirming the disciples for remaining steadfast and is essentially commending them for their faith in Him amidst trials.
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Historical Context
Luke 22:28 is part of the narrative of the Last Supper, which is an event held in conjunction with the Jewish festival of Passover.
This meal signifies the last time Jesus would eat with His disciples before His death.
The historical setting is Jerusalem, and the period is approximately A.D. 30-33.
During this time, Jesus and His followers faced significant skepticism and hostility from religious leaders and Roman authorities.
It is within this environment of impending suffering that Jesus commends His apostles for their constancy.
Theological Insights
From a theological standpoint, Luke 22:28 points to several key insights:
Perseverance in Trials
The verse epitomizes the Christian virtue of perseverance. By commending the disciples for staying with Him through trials, Jesus is also setting an expectation for all believers to remain steadfast in faith during times of adversity.
The Communion of Saints
Some Christian traditions might interpret this to reflect the bond that is formed between Christ and His followers, which is forged and tested in tribulations.
Reward for Faithfulness
The following verses (Luke 22:29-30) show Jesus promising a reward to His followers, thus theologically linking perseverance through trials with the hope of eternal reward.
Practical Applications
In daily life, Luke 22:28 encourages individuals to stand firm in their convictions, irrespective of challenges. This can mean maintaining integrity when under pressure, offering support to others during difficult times, or consistently pursuing a goal despite obstacles.
Cross-References
- "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12
- "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew 24:13
- "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:" - 2 Timothy 2:12
Language Study
In the original Greek text, the key word is "πειρασμοῖς" (peirasmois), which can mean trials, testing, or temptation. It implies situations that test character and faith.
The phrase "μετ' ἐμοῦ" (met’ emou) translates directly to "with me," signifying a close association or presence alongside someone.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Cultural and religious parallels can be found in many traditions where endurance in the face of hardship is valued.
For example, in Buddhist teachings, enduring hardship can be seen as part of the path to enlightenment.
In Hindu epics like the Mahabharata, characters are often revered for their unwavering duty and perseverance through trials.
Scientific Perspectives
Modern psychology recognizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in individuals' mental health and well-being.
Studies on resilience align with the Biblical presentation of enduring trials as these attributes positively correlate with better coping strategies and overall life satisfaction.
Commentaries
Commentators have various perspectives on Luke 22:28:
- Matthew Henry's Commentary posits that the apostles' constancy in Christ's trials was commendable, despite their infirmities.
He suggests that their continuance with Christ was the reason they were honored to be judges in the regeneration.
- The Pulpit Commentary notes that the words uttered by Jesus in this verse would have been deeply comforting to the disciples, offering them a precious memory of His acknowledgment of their loyalty.
- Adam Clarke's Commentary emphasizes the idea of perseverance and the promise of a kingdom, seeing the trials as a pathway to a more glorious connection with Jesus.