New Testament
Luke 22:2
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The chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to kill him, but they feared the people.
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And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
What Luke 22:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the chief priests and scribes, who were religious leaders, plotting to kill Jesus. Their desire to eliminate him stemmed from his growing influence and the challenge he posed to their authority. However, they were cautious because they feared the reaction of the people, who were largely supportive of Jesus. This highlights the tension between the religious leaders and the public, as well as the fear that can accompany power struggles. The leaders' intentions reveal their unwillingness to accept Jesus' teachings and the threat he represented to their established order. Their fear of the people indicates that they were aware of the potential backlash that could arise from taking action against someone who was seen as a prophet or a good teacher by the masses. This verse sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, illustrating the conflict between divine purpose and human opposition.
How to apply Luke 22:2 to your life
This verse reminds us to be aware of the motivations behind our actions. Are we acting out of fear of others or standing firm in our beliefs? It encourages us to seek truth and integrity, even when facing opposition or pressure from those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:2 mean?
Luke 22:2 describes the chief priests and scribes plotting to kill Jesus due to his growing influence and challenge to their authority, while also fearing the people's support for him.
What is the significance of the chief priests in Luke 22:2?
The chief priests were religious leaders who felt threatened by Jesus' teachings and popularity, leading them to conspire against him despite their fear of public backlash.
Why did the chief priests fear the people in Luke 22:2?
They feared the people because Jesus had a significant following, and any action against him could provoke a strong reaction from the public who viewed him as a prophet.
What does the phrase 'sought how they might kill him' in Luke 22:2 imply?
This phrase indicates that the religious leaders were actively planning and strategizing on how to eliminate Jesus, reflecting their desperation to maintain their power.
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