And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook the simple action here, but Jesus "reclined at table" – not just sat, but took a comfortable, relaxed posture. This detail paints a picture of a deliberately calm and unhurried beginning to the Passover meal, setting a scene of intimate fellowship right before the most momentous events of His life unfolded.
And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The hour has finally arrived for Jesus and the twelve disciples to share the Passover meal, a sacred observance of their history. They've gathered in a prepared room, and Jesus, the central figure, reclines with his closest followers, marking the beginning of this profoundly significant evening that will soon be transformed. This meal, steeped in the ancient story of deliverance, is about to become a pivotal moment for a new covenant.
Why does Luke emphasize 'the hour' when Jesus sat down for the Passover meal? It wasn't just any evening.
Luke highlights that Jesus' actions were precisely timed, fulfilling a divine plan.
A Critical Moment
'When the hour came' signals that this wasn't a spontaneous gathering. It was the preordained time for the Passover meal, a significant annual observance for Jewish people. This evening held a unique weight because it was the final Passover Jesus would share with his disciples before his crucifixion.
More Than Just an Evening
Commentaries note that 'the hour' refers to the evening, the traditional time for the Passover observance. But for Jesus, it was more than just the right time of day; it was the culmination of prophetic destiny and the beginning of the events that would lead to humanity's redemption.
Jesus and 'the twelve apostles' reclined together. What's significant about this intimate setting?
The specific mention of 'the twelve apostles' underscores the unique relationship Jesus shared with his inner circle during this pivotal meal.
Intimate Fellowship
The act of reclining at a table was the posture for a shared meal, especially the Passover. Luke's emphasis on 'the twelve apostles' highlights the close fellowship and the solemnity of this particular gathering. It was an intimate moment where Jesus prepared his closest followers for what was to come.
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Deliberate Inclusion
While other Gospels mention 'the disciples,' Luke’s focus on 'the twelve' points to the specific group chosen by Jesus to share in this foundational event of the new covenant. It underscores their special role and the intimate instruction they received.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
Those chosen, sent, and commissioned by Jesus to represent Him with authority to the world. They were eyewitnesses of His resurrection and foundational to the teaching of the early church.
The Last Supper occurred during the annual Passover festival, a sacred meal commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery. Jesus uses this ancient, highly symbolic meal as the backdrop for instituting a new covenant, forever transforming its meaning.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Final Passover Meal
Jesus and his twelve apostles gathered for the Passover feast in Jerusalem, a pivotal event marking his final days before crucifixion.
c. 1446 BC
The First Passover
God instituted the Passover feast among the Israelites in Egypt, commemorating their liberation from slavery.
c. 14th Century BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, under Moses' leadership, were miraculously led out of Egyptian bondage after the final Passover.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Israelites were exiled to Babylon, a period that deeply shaped their understanding of worship and covenant, and from which they would later return.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea was under Roman occupation, creating a tense political climate that influenced Jesus' ministry and the events leading to his arrest.
This passage, also describing the Last Supper, confirms the setting and the presence of the disciples as Jesus begins to speak about His impending betrayal.
Mark 14:17Similar to Luke's account, Mark highlights the moment Jesus reclines with the twelve, setting the stage for His profound words during the meal.
John 13:1John also places the Last Supper before the Passover feast, emphasizing Jesus' deep love for His own as He prepares for His suffering.
1 Corinthians 11:23Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper, echoing Jesus' actions and words at this very meal, establishing its significance for believers.
pooleLuke 22:14: "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him."
See Poole on "Luke 22:3"
vincentLuke 22:14: "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him."
The apostlesBoth Matthew and Mark have the twelve.
It's easy to overlook the simple action here, but Jesus "reclined at table" – not just sat, but took a comfortable, relaxed posture. This detail paints a picture of a deliberately calm and unhurried beginning to the Passover meal, setting a scene of intimate fellowship right before the most momentous events of His life unfolded.
The hour has finally arrived for Jesus and the twelve disciples to share the Passover meal, a sacred observance of their history. They've gathered in a prepared room, and Jesus, the central figure, reclines with his closest followers, marking the beginning of this profoundly significant evening that will soon be transformed. This meal, steeped in the ancient story of deliverance, is about to become a pivotal moment for a new covenant.
The hour has finally arrived for Jesus and the twelve disciples to share the Passover meal, a sacred observance of their history. They've gathered in a prepared room, and Jesus, the central figure, reclines with his closest followers, marking the beginning of this profoundly significant evening that will soon be transformed. This meal, steeped in the ancient story of deliverance, is about to become a pivotal moment for a new covenant.
"And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him." — It's easy to overlook the simple action here, but Jesus "reclined at table" – not just sat, but took a comfortable, relaxed posture. This detail paints a picture of a deliberately calm and unhurried…
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Last reviewed October 2026