Luke 22:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.

NIV: Jesus said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.

NASB: And He said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’

CSB: But he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who have authority over them have themselves called 'Benefactors.'

NLT: Jesus told them, 'In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’

KJV: And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

NKJV: And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’

Luke describes an argument during the Last Supper. He is the only one to include it, though some scholars think it is the catalyst for Jesus washing the disciples' feet (John 13:1–17). The dispute and Jesus' response is the core of the chapter: the disciples are going to be leaders; what kind of leaders will they be?

Will they be like Gentile rulers? Herod Antipas arrested John the Baptist because John spoke the truth. Then he beheaded John because Antipas got caught in a foolish vow (Matthew 14:1–12). Pilate stole from the temple treasury to build aqueducts, had those protesting beaten, crucified Jesus because the Jewish leaders blackmailed him (John 19:12), and killed Samaritans who had gotten caught by a charlatan (Josephus, War 2.9.4, 175–77; Antiquities 18.3.32, 60–62; 18.4.1–2, 85–89).

It is these men—Antipas, Pilate, and the one who deceived the Samaritans—who are called "benefactors." A benefactor should refer to those who do good for the community, like the centurion who built a synagogue (Luke 7:5). But by this time, the title "benefactor" is also bestowed on tyrants who rule through cruelty.

Jesus gives them a better way. Don't lord over people; serve them. Follow His example. The disciples will receive authority over the twelve tribes of Israel as God the Father dictates and in His timing; they don't have to fight for that right. They just need to remain faithful and learn how to lead well (Luke 22:26–30).

Luke 22:24–30 is the heart of Luke 22. The disciples have a choice: will they grasp for worldly power like the Gentiles or will they strive to be servant-leaders like their Messiah? New covenant leadership in God's kingdom is service. The disciples' self-involvement fits perfectly between Jesus' warnings of Judas's betrayal (Luke 22:21–23) and Peter's denials (Luke 22:31–34). Some scholars suggest this exchange provides a springboard for Jesus to wash the disciples' feet in a demonstration of servant leadership (John 13:1–17). This passage contains information unique to this gospel.

Luke 22 is a long chapter which records events leading to Jesus' political trials and crucifixion. He has successfully taught crowds at the temple and proved His authority over the religious leaders (Luke 19:47—20). Meanwhile the leaders have spent the week planning to arrest Jesus and have Him killed (Luke 19:47–48). This chapter records the Last Supper, the arrest on the Mount of Olives, and the trials before the Jewish religious leaders. Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 18 cover much of the same information.

Luke 23 continues Jesus' trials before Pilate and Herod Antipas. He is then led to the cross where He forgives His murderers and saves a thief before He dies. In Luke 24, Jesus rises from the dead, meets two disciples while they travel, and explains to them how the Old Testament prophesied the death of the Messiah. In the final scene of the gospel, Jesus is reunited with His disciples, blesses them, and ascends into heaven.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.