Luke 22:24

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

And {G1161} there was {G1096} also {G2532} a strife {G5379} among {G1722} them {G846}, which {G5101} of them {G846} should be accounted {G1380}{G1511} the greatest {G3187}.

An argument arose among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest.

And there arose also a contention among them, which of them was accounted to be greatest.

Luke 22:24 presents a striking moment during the Last Supper, immediately after Jesus institutes the new covenant and predicts Peter's denial. Amidst profound spiritual moments, the disciples fall into a familiar human failing: arguing about who among them held the highest status.

Context

This verse occurs at a deeply significant and solemn time. Jesus has just shared the Passover meal, transformed into the Lord's Supper, speaking of His body and blood given for many. Yet, instead of grappling with the profound implications of His sacrifice, the disciples are preoccupied with their own positions. This wasn't the first time such a dispute arose; they had previously debated who was the greatest on other occasions, such as their journey to Capernaum (Mark 9:33-34) and when James and John sought places of honor (Mark 10:37).

Key Themes

  • Human Frailty and Pride: Even in the intimate presence of Jesus and at a pivotal moment, the disciples' human nature, marked by pride and ambition, surfaces. It highlights how deeply ingrained the desire for recognition can be.
  • Misunderstanding of Kingdom Values: Their dispute reveals a continued misunderstanding of the nature of God's kingdom. They were still thinking in terms of earthly power structures and hierarchies, rather than the spiritual principles of humility and service that Jesus consistently taught.
  • Contrast with Jesus' Example: This argument stands in stark contrast to Jesus' own actions, who just moments before was serving them by washing their feet (John 13:5) and was about to lay down His life as the ultimate act of service.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "strife" in KJV is philonikia (φιλονικία), which literally means "love of contention" or "fondness for quarreling." It describes a contentious rivalry, emphasizing not just an argument, but a deep-seated desire to win an argument or prove one's superiority. This isn't a casual disagreement, but a persistent, competitive spirit among them.

Practical Application

Luke 22:24 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation within the community of believers. It reminds us that:

  • Humility is Essential: True greatness in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly status or power, but by humility and a willingness to serve others. Jesus immediately addresses their dispute by teaching about servant leadership (Luke 22:25-27).
  • Focus on Christ, Not Self: Our focus should always be on Christ's mission and serving Him, rather than personal ambition or comparing ourselves to others.
  • Constant Vigilance: Even mature believers can fall prey to pride. We must continually examine our hearts and motives, seeking to follow Jesus' example of self-sacrificial love and service (Philippians 2:3).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 9:46

    Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

  • Mark 9:34

    But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who [should be] the greatest.

  • Mark 10:37

    They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

  • Mark 10:41

    And when the ten heard [it], they began to be much displeased with James and John.

  • Matthew 20:20

    ¶ Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping [him], and desiring a certain thing of him.

  • Matthew 20:24

    And when the ten heard [it], they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4

    ¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

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