Luk 22:25-26 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 25. The kings of the Gentiles . The kings of the nations , or of the earth. They do this, and it is to be expected of them, and it is right. Our Lord does not mean to say that it was wrong that there should be such authority, but that his kingdom was to be of a different character, and they were not to expect it there. Over them . That is, over the nations . Are called benefactors . The word benefactor is applied to one who bestows favour on another. It was applied to kings by way of compliment or flattery . Some of them might have been truly benefactors of their people, but this was by no means true of all . Yet it was applied to all, and especially to the Roman emperors. It is found applied to them often in the writings of Josephus and Philo. (m) "The kings of the Gentiles"

Luke 22:25-26

Verse 25. The kings of the Gentiles. The kings of the nations, or of the earth. They do this, and it is to be expected of them, and it is right. Our Lord does not mean to say that it was wrong that there should be such authority, but that his kingdom was to be of a different character, and they were not to expect it there.

Over them. That is, over the nations.

Are called benefactors. The word benefactor is applied to one who bestows favour on another. It was applied to kings by way of compliment or flattery. Some of them might have been truly benefactors of their people, but this was by no means true of all. Yet it was applied to all, and especially to the Roman emperors. It is found applied to them often in the writings of Josephus and Philo.

(m) "The kings of the Gentiles" Mt 20:25, Mk 10:42 Verses 26,27. But ye shall not be so. Christ here takes occasion to explain the nature of his kingdom. He assures them that it is established on different principles from those of the world; that his subjects were not to expect titles, and power, and offices of pomp in his kingdom. He that would be most advanced in his kingdom would be he that was most humble; and in order to show them this, he took a towel and girded himself after the manner of a servant, and washed their feet, to show them what ought to be their feelings toward each other. See Jn 13:4-17.

He that sitteth at meat. The master of the feast, or one of his guests.

But I am among you, &c. This was said in connection with his washing their feet. He showed them how they ought to feel and act toward each other. They ought, therefore, not to aim at office and power, but to be humble, and serve and aid one another.

(n) "ye shall not be so" 1Pet 5:3, 3Jn 1:9,10