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Commentary on Luke 22 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
5 And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
6 And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
The year of the redeemed is now come, which had been from eternity fixed in the divine counsels, and long looked for by them that waited for the consolation of Israel. After the revolutions of many ages, it is at length come, Isa 63:4. And, it is observable, it is in the very first month of that year that the redemption is wrought out, so much in haste was the Redeemer to perform his undertaking, so was he straitened till it was accomplished. It was in the same month, and at the same time of the month (in the beginning of months, Exo 12:2), that God by Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, that the Antitype might answer the type. Christ is here delivered up, when the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, Luk 22:1. About as long before that feast as they began to make preparation for it, here was preparation making for our Passover's being offered for us. Here we have,
I. His sworn enemies contriving it (Luk 22:2), the chief priests, men of sanctity, and the scribes, men of learning, seeking how they might kill him, either by force of fraud. Could they have had their will, it had been soon done, but they feared the people, and the more for what they now saw of their diligent attendance upon his preaching.
II. A treacherous disciple joining in with them, and coming to their assistance, Judas surnamed Iscariot. He is here said to be of the number of the twelve, that dignified distinguished number. One would wonder that Christ, who knew all men, should take a traitor into that number, and that one of that number, who could not but know Christ, should be so base as to betray him; but Christ had wise and holy ends in taking Judas to be a disciple, and how he who knew Christ so well yet came to betray him we are here told: Satan entered into Judas, Luk 22:3. It was the devil's work, who thought hereby to ruin Christ's undertaking, to have broken his head; but it proved only the bruising of his heel. Whoever betrays Christ, or his truths or ways, it is Satan that puts them upon it. Judas knew how desirous the chief priests were to get Christ into their hands, and that they could not do it safely without the assistance of some that knew his retirements, as he did. He therefore went himself, and made the motion to them, Luk 22:4. Note, It is hard to say whether more mischief is done to Christ's kingdom by the power and policy of its open enemies, or by the treachery and self-seeking of its pretended friends: nay, without the latter its enemies could not gain their point as they do. When you see Judas communing with the chief priests, be sure some mischief is hatching; it is for no good that they are laying their heads together.
III. The issue of the treaty between them. 1. Judas must betray Christ to them, must bring them to a place where they might seize him without danger of tumult, and this they would be glad of. 2. They must give him a sum of money for doing it, and this he would be glad of (Luk 22:5): They covenanted to give him money. When the bargain was made, Judas sought opportunity to betray him. Probably, he slyly enquired of Peter and John, who were more intimate with their Master than he was, where he would be at such a time, and whither he would retire after the passover, and they were not sharp enough to suspect him. Somehow or other, in a little time he gained the advantage he sought, and fixed the time and place where it might be done, in the absence of the multitude, and without tumult.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EXODUS 8.6
Jesus Christ our Savior has been crucified. The author of this crime and father of this wickedness is, without doubt, the devil. It is written: "When, however, the devil had entered the heart of Judas Iscariot that he should betray him." The devil is the father of sin. He fathered Judas as his first son in this wickedness, but Judas alone could not execute the betrayal. What then is written? "Judas departed," Scripture says, "to the scribes and Pharisees and chief priests and said to them: 'What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you?' " The third and fourth generation of sin was born from Judas.
Titus of Bostra (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 378
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Satan entered into Judas not by force, but finding the door open. For forgetful of all that he had seen, Judas now turned his thoughts solely to covetousness.
And he adds, one of the twelve, since he made up the number, though he did not truly discharge the Apostolic office. Or the Evangelist adds this, as it were for contrast sake. As if he said, "He was of the first band of those who were especially chosen."
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 80. in Matt.) St. Luke gives his surname, because there was another Judas.
(ut sup.) Observe the exceeding iniquity of Judas, that he both sets out by himself, and that he does this for gain. It follows, And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains.
(ut sup.) By covetousness then Judas became what he was, for it follows, And they covenanted to give him money. Such are the evil passions which covetousness engenders, it makes men irreligious, and compels them to lose all knowledge of God, though they have received a thousand benefits from Him, nay, even to injure Him, as it follows, And he contracted with them.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
And he went and spoke with the chief priests and magistrates about how he might betray him to them, and they were glad. His saying: He went and spoke, shows that he was invited by the chiefs, not constrained by any necessity, but of his own accord he entered into the plan with a wicked mind.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
And they agreed to give him money. And he promised. And he sought an opportunity to betray him without a crowd. Many today shudder at the crime of Judas, who sold his Lord, Master, and God for money, as something monstrous and nefarious, yet they do not beware. For when they speak false testimony against anyone for bribes, surely because they deny the truth for money, they sell the Lord for money. For he said: I am the truth (John 14). When they stain the fellowship of brotherhood with any plague of discord, they betray the Lord, because God is love. Even if no one gives money, they sell the Lord for silver, because they take the image of the prince of the world, that is, the examples of the ancient enemy, ignoring the creator's image to which they were created. For just as John the Baptist, who did not die for the confession of Christ, but for the defense of the truth, yet, therefore, died for Christ because he accepted martyrdom for the truth, so on the contrary, he who scorns the laws of charity and truth indeed betrays Christ, who is truth and love. Especially when he does not sin through weakness or creeping ignorance, but in the likeness of Judas seeks an opportunity to change truth into a lie, virtue into crime, with witnesses absent.
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
There is nothing contrary to this in what John says, that after the sop Satan entered into Judas; seeing he now entered into him as a stranger, but then as his own, whom he might lead after him to do whatsoever he willed.
Now many shudder at the wickedness of Judas, yet do not guard against it. For whosoever despises the laws of truth and love, betrays Christ who is truth and love. Above all, when he sins not from infirmity or ignorance, but after the likeness of Judas seeks opportunity, when no one is present, to change truth for a lie, virtue for crime.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Having already said that the Chief Priests sought means how they might slay Jesus without incurring any danger, he next goes on to relate the means which occurred to them, as it is said, Then entered Satan into Judas.
The magistrates here mentioned were those appointed to take care of the buildings of the temple, or it may be those whom the Romans had set over the people to keep them from breaking forth into tumult; for they were seditious.
That is, he bargained and promised. And sought opportunity to betray him unto them, without the crowds, that is, when he saw Him standing by Himself apart, in the absence of the multitude.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Luke 22:5 marks a chilling and pivotal moment in the Passion narrative, detailing the formal agreement between the chief priests and scribes and Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's own disciples. This verse solidifies the conspiracy to betray Jesus, revealing the eager acceptance of Judas's offer by the religious authorities and setting in motion the events that would lead directly to Jesus's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It underscores the dark intersection of human treachery and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke 22:5 employs several potent literary devices. Irony is prominent, as the religious leaders, who should have been guardians of truth and justice, are "glad" at the prospect of betraying an innocent man. Their joy is a perversion of true spiritual gladness, revealing their deep-seated malice. The verse also functions as Foreshadowing, signaling the imminent arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, the central event of the Passion narrative. It sets the stage for the unfolding drama of betrayal, trial, and sacrifice. There is also a strong element of Contrast between the purity and divine mission of Jesus and the corrupt motives and actions of Judas and the Sanhedrin. Finally, the mention of "money" serves as Symbolism, representing the corrupting power of material gain and the spiritual blindness that can lead individuals to betray the most sacred trusts for worldly profit.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:5 profoundly illustrates the tragic reality of human sin and the insidious nature of spiritual darkness, even among those ostensibly devoted to God. The "gladness" of the religious leaders and Judas's willingness to betray Jesus for "money" expose the depths of human depravity and the corrupting power of greed and envy. Yet, within this dark moment, the verse also subtly points to the unwavering sovereignty of God. Despite the evil intentions and actions of men, this betrayal was not an unforeseen calamity but a divinely ordained step in God's redemptive plan, fulfilling ancient prophecies and paving the way for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It underscores that even the most heinous acts of sin are ultimately subjected to God's overarching purpose for salvation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:5 serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging believers to examine their own hearts for any seeds of greed, envy, or spiritual compromise that could lead to betrayal of Christ or His truth. Judas's story is a stark reminder that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee faithfulness; genuine discipleship requires ongoing vigilance against the allure of worldly gain and the schemes of the enemy. We are called to recognize that spiritual opposition often comes cloaked in religious authority or personal familiarity, and to stand firm against such pressures. Moreover, this verse invites us to find comfort and strength in God's unwavering sovereignty. Even in the face of the most profound human evil and betrayal, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. Our trust should rest not in human faithfulness, which can falter, but in the steadfastness of God's plan, which works even through the darkest moments to bring about ultimate good and redemption.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the chief priests and scribes "glad" about Judas's offer?
Answer: The chief priests and scribes were "glad" because Judas's offer provided a solution to their dilemma. They desperately wanted to kill Jesus but feared the people, who largely regarded Jesus as a prophet, especially during the crowded Passover feast (Luke 22:2). Judas, being one of Jesus's inner circle, could betray Him discreetly, away from the crowds, allowing them to apprehend Him without causing a public uproar or riot. His offer was an opportune moment to achieve their goal of eliminating Jesus without political or social backlash, hence their enthusiastic acceptance.
What was Judas's primary motivation for betraying Jesus?
Answer: While the text of Luke 22:5 explicitly states they "covenanted to give him money," suggesting financial gain as a primary motivation, other Gospel accounts and biblical context provide further insight. John 12:6 reveals that Judas was a thief and kept the money bag. This historical detail reinforces the idea that greed was a significant, if not the primary, driver for his betrayal. Additionally, Luke 22:3 states that "Satan entered into Judas," indicating a spiritual dimension to his fall, where his personal weaknesses (like greed) were exploited by demonic influence, leading him to this ultimate act of treachery.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:5, though a dark moment of human treachery, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the betrayal itself, but in how Jesus sovereignly leveraged this evil act for the redemption of humanity. The "gladness" of the religious leaders and Judas's mercenary decision to accept "money" were part of a larger divine drama. Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly submitted to this betrayal, knowing it was the path to the cross. His voluntary surrender, as stated in John 10:18, where He declares, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord," underscores His active participation in God's plan, rather than being a passive victim. This betrayal, prophesied centuries earlier (e.g., Zechariah 11:12-13), ultimately led to the shedding of His precious blood, the true "money" that purchased our salvation (1 Peter 1:18-19). Thus, the very act intended to destroy Jesus became the means by which He triumphed over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. The "money" of betrayal was utterly eclipsed by the priceless sacrifice of the Son of God, demonstrating God's remarkable ability to work even the most heinous human acts into His perfect redemptive narrative.