Luke 22:24-30
Contention ( φιλονεικια ). An old word from φιλονεικος, fond of strife, eagerness to contend. Only here in the N.T.Greatest ( μειζων ). Common use of the comparative as superlative.
Have lordship over ( κυριευουσιν ). From κυριος. Common verb, to lord it over.
Benefactors ( ευεργετα ). From ευ and εργον. Doer of good. Old word. Here only in the N.T. Latin Benefactor is exact equivalent.
Become ( γινεσθω ). Present middle imperative of γινομα. Act so. True greatness is in service, not in rank.
But I ( Εγω δε ). Jesus dares to cite his own conduct, though their leader, to prove his point and to put a stop to their jealous contention for the chief place at this very feast, a wrangling that kept up till Jesus had to arise and give them the object lesson of humility by washing their feet (Joh 13:1-20).
In my temptations ( εν τοις πειρασμοις μου ). Probably "trials" is better here as in Jas 1:2 though temptations clearly in Jas 1:13ff. This is the tragedy of the situation when Jesus is facing the Cross with the traitor at the table and the rest chiefly concerned about their own primacy and dignity.
And I appoint unto you ( κ'αγω διατιθημα υμιν ). They had on the whole been loyal and so Jesus passes on to them ( διαθημα verb from which διαθηκη comes).
And ye shall sit ( καθησεσθε ). But Westcott and Hort read in the text καθησθε (present middle subjunctive with ινα ). The picture seems to be that given in Mt 19:28 when Jesus replied to Peter's inquiry. It is not clear how literally this imagery is to be taken. But there is the promise of honour for the loyal among these in the end.
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