Did Jesus Wash the Disciples' Feet before, or after, the Institution of the Supper ?
By R. F. C.
SOME think the washing took place after the supper was eaten. They come to this conclusion from the words, “Supper being ended.” Dr. Clarke in his commentary, gives the following rendering of this passage: “While supper was preparing.” And on verse 4 he remarks, “He riseth from supper. Not from eating, as Bishop Pearce has well observed; but from his place at table; probably the dishes were not as yet laid down, though the guests were seated. According to the custom of the Jews and other Asiatics, this washing must have taken place before the supper.” The following is from the notes in the Cottage Bible: “Supper being ended—rather come! So Drs. Hammond, Doddridge, Guise, and Jennings; but Campbell reads ‘while they were at supper,’ which is to the same effect.” Judas was present at the time of the washing of feet, therefore Jesus said, “Ye are not all clean.” After this Jesus sat down again, or as Campbell expresses it, “replaced himself at the table.” And it is evident that they were reclining at table, and John was leaning on Jesus’ breast, when the inquiry went around, who it was that should betray him. To point out the traitor, Jesus (while yet at table) dipped the sop and gave it to Judas. “He then, having received the sop went immediately out.” After this, they sung an hymn and went out. These things carefully considered, make it clearly evident that the washing of feet preceded the eating of the supper.
R. F. C.