Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 22:21

"But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table." — Luke 22:21 (ASV)

Because this saying follows the Last Supper, it is correct to assume that Judas was present at the institution of the Lord’s Supper (cf. also Jn 13:21-27). By mentioning the “hand” of Judas (v.21), Luke draws attention to his participation in this special event, thus heightening the tragedy that one of Jesus’ own disciples will betray him.

The use of “decreed” (GK 3988) emphasizes divine sovereignty, a theme dominant in Luke. Divine sovereignty is always balanced by human responsibility, so Jesus pronounces a “woe” on the betrayer (cf. Acts 2:23). Luke also records (v.23) both the disciples’ concern and the secrecy that still surrounded Judas’s treachery.