Luke 22:14

And when the houre was come, he sate downe, and the twelue Apostles with him. Luke 22:14 (KJV)

This verse is part of the account of the Last Supper, described in Luke 22:7-23, and it takes place on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, a significant moment in Christian history. In this particular verse the hour—or evening—has arrived for the Last Supper to begin. Jesus, the central figure in the passage, takes his seat and is joined by the twelve apostles. The setting is highly symbolic and carries deep theological significance.

Timing and Preparation: The verse begins by stating, “And when the hour was come,” (or “when the evening was come”), emphasizing the divine timing of the events unfolding. Jesus, fully aware of the impending crucifixion, had made arrangements to share this final meal with his disciples.

Sitting Down: The act of Jesus reclining or sitting down signifies his role as the host of the Last Supper. In ancient Jewish tradition during Passover meals, the host would sit while the guests reclined on couches in a semi‑supine position, a cultural practice reflected in the KJV phrase “sat down” which translates the Greek ἀνέπεσεν (“reclined”). This posture underscores Jesus’ authority and leadership as the meal’s central figure.

The Twelve Apostles: The twelve apostles were the chosen disciples of Jesus and played a significant role in his ministry. Their presence at the Last Supper is significant, as they were eyewitnesses to this pivotal moment.

This verse serves as a prelude to the significant teachings and actions that follow. The subsequent verses in Luke describe Jesus instituting the sacrament of communion (Luke 22:19‑20) and foretelling Judas’ betrayal (Luke 22:21‑23). The passage as a whole highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ impending crucifixion and the establishment of the new covenant through his body and blood.