Extract

1. Leadership as service: The advice of Jesus within the last supper in Lk 22:24–30

1.1 Greek Text

1.2 English Translation

2. Context, Language and Genre of the Text

The pericope of the advice of Jesus to his apostles concerning the φιλονεικία among them is sandwiched within the discursive episode of the last supper (Lk 22:14–38) comprising the institution of the Eucharist and the injunction for the future. After the institution of the holy Eucharist (v.14–v.20), and the confusion regarding the betrayer of Jesus (v.21–23), the advice is preceded by the quarrel among the disciples regarding who should be considered the greatest among them.1 This quarrel (φιλονεικία) serves as the background for the teachings of the Lukan Jesus on power and leadership. After these pieces of advice however, Jesus rounded up the discussion with the promise of an eternal rule for the apostles as a reward for their faithfulness.2

The ingenuity of Luke is shown in the presentation of this material of the last supper. Within this context, which is announced with ἀνέπεσεν in v.14 and ended with a movement ἐξελϑὼν in v.39 suggesting a change of place, Luke not only shows his uniqueness, but also his identity with the other synoptics, especially Mark. The verses 15–23, which speak of the supper, are present in Mk 14:18–25.3 In Lk 22:24–38 on the other hand, one finds a discussion, which is missing...