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1
Reclining, Not Sitting
Commentators explain that guests at the Last Supper didn't sit in chairs but reclined on couches, leaning on their left arms. John was positioned to Jesus' right, so his head was naturally near Jesus' chest. Scholars note this posture of rest, especially for Passover, symbolized the security and freedom of God's people, contrasting with the original Passover meal eaten in haste.
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John
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On John 13:23
18th Century
Theologian
Leaning on Jesus' bosom. This does not mean that he was at that time actually lying on his bosom, but that he occupied a situatio…
AT Robertson
On John 13:23
Was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom (ην ανακειμενος εν τω κολπω του Ιησου). No word for "table" in the text. Periphrastic i…
Charles Ellicott
On John 13:23
19th Century
Bishop
Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom.—Leonardo’s picture is misleading in one respect: like most paintings of the Lord’s…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 13:23
Peter signaled to the disciple who occupied the place next to Jesus and “whom Jesus loved” (presumably John), asking him to inquire who the traitor…
John Calvin
On John 13:23
16th Century
Theologian
Whom Jesus loved. The peculiar love with which Christ loved John plainly testifies that, if we love some people…
John Gill
On John 13:23
17th Century
Pastor
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom
Not pressing upon that part of Christ's body, which would have been irreverent…
Matthew Henry
On John 13:18–30
17th Century
Minister
Our Lord had often spoken of his own sufferings and death without such trouble of spirit as he now showed when he spoke of Judas. The sins of Chris…