Luke – Chapter 22

New Testament71 Verses

Chapter Summary

Luke 22 opens with the words: "Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand." The chapter centers on Peter, Judas and Simon. Across its 71 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and prayer. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand.

2And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death: but they feared the people.

3And Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve.

4And he went and discoursed with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might betray him to them.

5And they were glad and covenanted to give him money.

6And he promised. And he sought opportunity to betray him in the absence of the multitude.

7And the day of the unleavened bread came, on which it was necessary that the pasch should be killed.

8And he sent Peter and John, saying: Go, and prepare for us the pasch, that we may eat.

9But they said: Where wilt thou that we prepare?

10And he said to them: Behold, as you go into the city, there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water: follow him into the house where he entereth in.

11And you shall say to the goodman of the house: The master saith to thee: Where is the guest chamber, where I may eat the pasch with my disciples?

12And he will shew you a large dining room, furnished. And there prepare.

13And they going, found as he had said to them and made ready the pasch.

14And when the hour was come, he sat down: and the twelve apostles with him.

15And he said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you, before I suffer.

16For I say to you that from this time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17And having taken the chalice, he gave thanks and said: Take and divide it among you.

18For I say to you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God come.

19And taking bread, he gave thanks and brake and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.

20In like manner, the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.

21But yet behold: the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.

22And the Son of man indeed goeth, according to that which is determined: but yet, woe to that man by whom he shall be betrayed.

23And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

24And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater.

25And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them are called beneficent.

26But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger: and he that is the leader, as he that serveth.

27For which is greater, he that sitteth at table or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth.

28And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations:

29And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom;

30That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.

32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.

33Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death.

34And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that thou knowest me. And he said to them:

35When I sent you without purse and scrip and shoes, did you want anything?

36But they said: Nothing. Then said he unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip: and he that hath not, let him sell his coat and buy a sword.

37For I say to you that this that is written must yet be fulfilled in me. And with the wicked was he reckoned. For the things concerning me have an end.

38But they said: Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said to them: It is enough.

39And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the Mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him.

40And when he was come to the place, he said to them: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

41And he was withdrawn away from them a stone's cast. And kneeling down, he prayed.

42Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done.

43And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer.

44And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground.

45And when he rose up from prayer and was come to the disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.

46And he said to them: Why sleep you? Arise: pray: lest you enter into temptation.

47As he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus, for to kiss him.

48And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss?

49And they that were about him, seeing what would follow, said to him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword?

50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

51But Jesus answering, said: Suffer ye thus far. And when he had touched his ear, he healed him.

52And Jesus said to the chief priests and magistrates of the temple and the ancients, that were come unto him: Are ye come out, as it were against a thief, with swords and clubs?

53When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against me: but this is your hour and the power of darkness.

54And apprehending him, they led him to the high priest's house. But Peter followed afar off.

55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them.

56Whom when a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with him.

57But he denied him, saying: Woman, I know him not.

58And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not.

59And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with him: for he is also a Galilean.

60And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

61And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny thrice.

62And Peter going out, wept bitterly.

63And the men that held him mocked him and struck him.

64And they blindfolded him and smote his face. And they asked him saying: Prophesy: Who is it that struck thee?

65And blaspheming, many other things they said against him.

66And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people and the chief priests and scribes came together. And they brought him into their council saying: If thou be the Christ, tell us.

67And he saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe me.

68And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer me, nor let me go.

69But hereafter the Son of man shall be sitting on the right hand of the power of God.

70Then said they all: Art thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I am.

71And they said: What need we any further testimony? For we ourselves have heard it from his own mouth.

Important Verses in Luke 22

Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand.

Luke 22:1

For I say to you that from this time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Luke 22:16

Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death.

Luke 22:33

Then said they all: Art thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I am.

Luke 22:70

Historical Context

Luke belongs to the New Testament and was composed for gentile Christians, assured that salvation in Christ is for all peoples. Chapter 22 of 24 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 71 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Peter, Judas, Simon and John, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand." The chapter ends with: "And they said: What need we any further testimony? For we ourselves have heard it from his own mouth. " The wider setting of Luke is this: Luke, the only Gentile author in Scripture, wrote an ordered account 'for Theophilus' emphasizing God's mercy for the poor, sinners, women, and outsiders. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Luke around About AD 80-90.

Who Wrote It

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 80-90

Catholic Commentary

In this 71-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of Jesus as Savior of all peoples, especially the poor. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand." The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

Catholic exegesis reads Luke 22 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Luke emphasizes God's mercy and the role of the Holy Spirit (CIC 714). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1604).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Peter9 mentionsJudas3 mentionsSimon2 mentionsJohn1 mention

Reflection for Today

Luke Chapter 22, containing 71 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 721). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands Jesus as Savior of all peoples, especially the poor.

As you continue through Luke, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luke Chapter 22 about?

Luke 22 contains 71 verses. It opens with "Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand." and closes with "And they said: What need we any further testimony? For we ourselves have heard it from his own mouth. ". The book as a whole is gospel.

What is a key verse in Luke 22?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Luke Chapter 22?

This chapter mentions Peter, Judas, Simon, John.

Who wrote Luke and when?

Luke, the beloved physician, companion of St. Paul. About AD 80-90.

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