Luk 22:66-71 | RWP | e4.org | As soon as it was day ( ως εγενετο ημερα ). ( ) has "morning." The assembly of the people ( το πρεσβυτεριον του λαου ). The technical word for "the eldership" (from πρεσβυτερος , an old man or elder) or group of the elders composing the Sanhedrin. The word occurs in the LXX for the Sanhedrin. In the N.T. occurs only here and of the Sanhedrin. In Paul uses it of the elders in a church (or churches). The Sanhedrin was composed of the elders and scribes and chief priests ( ) and all three groups are at this meeting. Luke's language (both chief priests and scribes, τε ... κα ) seems to apply the word πρεσβυτεριον to the whole Sanhedrin. Sadducees (chief priests) and Pharisees (scribes) were nearly equally represented. Into their council ( εις το συνεδριον αυτων ). The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber.

‏ Luke 22:66-71

As soon as it was day ( ως εγενετο ημερα ). Mr 15:1 (Mt 27:1) has "morning."

The assembly of the people ( το πρεσβυτεριον του λαου ). The technical word for "the eldership" (from πρεσβυτερος, an old man or elder) or group of the elders composing the Sanhedrin. The word occurs in the LXX for the Sanhedrin. In the N.T. occurs only here and Ac 22:5 of the Sanhedrin. In 1Ti 4:14 Paul uses it of the elders in a church (or churches). The Sanhedrin was composed of the elders and scribes and chief priests (Mr 15:1) and all three groups are at this meeting. Luke's language (both chief priests and scribes, τε ... κα ) seems to apply the word πρεσβυτεριον to the whole Sanhedrin. Sadducees (chief priests) and Pharisees (scribes) were nearly equally represented.

Into their council ( εις το συνεδριον αυτων ). The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber.

If thou art the Christ ( Ε συ ε ο Χριστος ). The Messiah, they mean. The condition is the first class, assuming it to be true.

If I tell you ( Εαν υμιν ειπω ). Condition of the third class, undetermined, but with likelihood of being determined. This is the second appearance of Jesus before the Sanhedrin merely mentioned by Mr 15:1; Mt 27:1 who give in detail the first appearance and trial. Luke merely gives this so-called ratification meeting after daybreak to give the appearance of legality to their vote of condemnation already taken (Mr 14:64; Mt 26:66).

Ye will not believe ( ου μη πιστευσητε ). Double negative with the aorist subjunctive, strongest possible negative. So as to verse 68.

The Son of man ( ο υιος του ανθρωπου ). Jesus really answers their demand about "the Messiah" by asserting that he is "the Son of man" and they so understand him. He makes claims of equality with God also which they take up.

Art thou the Son of God? ( Συ ουν ε ο υιος του θεου; ). Note how these three epithets are used as practical equivalents. They ask about "the Messiah." Jesus affirms that he is the Son of Man and will sit at the right hand of the power of God. They take this to be a claim to be the Son of God (both humanity and deity). Jesus accepts the challenge and admits that he claims to be all three (Messiah, the Son of man, the Son of God).

Ye say ( Hυμεις λεγετε ). Just a Greek idiom for "Yes" (compare "I am" in Mr 14:62 with "Thou has said" in Mt 26:64).

For we ourselves have heard ( αυτο γαρ ηκουσαμεν ). They were right if Jesus is not what he claimed to be. They were eternally wrong for he is the Christ, the Son of man, the Son of God. They made their choice and must face Christ as Judge.