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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 26:48

Verse 48 48.Now he who betrayed him. I have no doubt that Judas was restrained, either by reverence for our Lord, or by shame for his crime, from venturing openly to avow himself as one of the enemies; and the warning which, Mark tells us, he gave the soldiers — to lead the away cautiously, was given, I conjecture, for this reason, that he recollected the numerous-proofs by which Christ had formerly attested his divine power. But it was, at the same time, astonishing madness, either to attempt... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 26:49

Verse 49 49.Hail, Rabbi. I have no doubt that Judas, as if trembling for his Master’s danger, pretended by these words to have some feeling of compassion; and, accordingly, in Mark a pathetic repetition is expressed, (213) Rabbi, Rabbi. For though he was impressed with the majesty of Christ, still the devil so fascinated his mind, that he felt assured that his treachery was concealed by a kiss, and by soothing words. This salutation, or exclamation, therefore, was a pretense of compassion. I... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 26:50

Verse 50 50.Friend, for what purpose comest thou? Luke expresses it more fully: Judeas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? except that there is greater force in this reproof, that the benevolence of his Master, and the very high honor conferred on him, are wickedly abused for the purpose of the basest treachery. For Christ does not employ an ironical address when he calls him friend, but charges him with ingratitude, that, from being an intimate friend, who sat at his table, he had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:14-50

Judas. By piecing together what the various Gospels tell us about Judas, we can see the process by which our Lord separated him from the rest. 1 . Our Lord indicated that among the disciples there was a traitor. Unable to detect the conscious look of guilt in the face of any of his companions, each, conscious of the deep, unfathomed capacity for evil in his own heart, can but frankly ask the Master, "Lord, is it I?" But there was one of them who did not join in the question. 2 .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:46-56

The arrest. The words, "Rise, let us be going," are not inconsistent with those just uttered, "Sleep on now, and take your rest." These latter words had rather a moral significance than a physical. They meant, "I have no longer any need of your watching." But just as he utters them, he catches the gleam of arms through the trees, and exclaims, "Rise." Describe the scene—the measured tread of the Roman cohort; the glare of torches and lanterns, and the swarming rabble come out to see an... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:47

Judas, one of the twelve. So called by all the synoptists, as if to enhance his guilt—one of Christ's own familiar friends, who had eaten bread with him. Came. St. Luke tells us that he led the way to Gethsemane. He well knew the place as a favourite resort of Christ ( John 18:2 ); he knew, too, that Jesus was alone there with his apostles, and he had gone with confidence to inform the authorities where they could find him, and to demand a force sufficient to make the arrest. A great... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:47-56

Betrayal and apprehension of Jesus. ( Mark 14:43-52 ; Luke 22:47-53 ; John 18:2-11 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:47-56

The apprehension of our Lord. I. THE BETRAYAL . 1 . The approach of Judas. The three evangelists describe him as "one of the twelve." They add this description, not for the sake of accurate identification, for his treachery had been already mentioned, but to set forth the blackness of his guilt. Holy Scripture commonly uses a certain stern simplicity in speaking of great offences. There is a depth of meaning in those few simple words, "one of the twelve." He was the most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:47-56

The submission of Jesus. After the third time praying in Gethsemane, Jesus came to his slumbering disciples, and said, "Sleep on now, and take your rest"—the opportunity for watching is past. Note: Opportunities pass, never to return; therefore we should never fail to improve them in their passing. "Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners"—the hour of trial is come for which watchings should have prepared. "Arise, let us be going," not to run... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 26:48

A sign. As they approached, Judas gave them a sign which would point out the person whom they were to seize. Probably these did not know Jesus by sight; at any rate, amid the crowd he might easily escape detection; it was also night, and even the Paschal moon might not enable the guards to distinguish faces under the shade of the dark olive grove. Whomsoever I shall kiss. In the East such salutation was common among friends, masters, and pupils; and it would awaken no surprise to see... read more

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