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Luke 22:23
ESV And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
NIV They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
NASB And they began to debate among themselves which one of them it was who was going to do this.
CSB So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do it.
NLT The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing.
KJV And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.
NKJV Then they began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

What does Luke 22:23 mean?

Jesus and the disciples are celebrating the Passover meal. He has just told the group that one of them will act as a traitor (Luke 22:21–22). They are worried, wondering which one of them He means. Yet their worry takes an interesting, surprisingly humble form. They don't accuse each other of being the betrayer; each disciple is worried that it's himself (Mark 14:19). On some level, they all seem to understand that they have the capability of betraying Jesus.

Luke's version of this revelation is short and to the point. This verse introduces the heart of the chapter. One moment, the Twelve are worried they will betray Jesus. The next, they are arguing over who is the greatest. Jesus uses their debate to teach about proper leadership in God's kingdom. Are they going to rule like the leaders of the world: lording over their people and grasping for power, even while knowing they are capable of great treachery? Or are they going to choose to lead like Jesus, serving each other and eventually being rewarded by Him (Luke 22:24–30)?

After the chapter's core message, Luke presents a parallel to Jesus' warning about Judas. Each disciple is worried that he will betray Jesus; yet all of them will lose faith in Jesus. Only Judas truly betrays Jesus. Only Peter denies Him in a shameful, public way (Luke 22:31–34). But because Peter ultimately stays with Jesus, he does not share Judas's judgment. He will be reconciled to Jesus and return to strengthen the other believers (2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 23:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5; John 21:15–19).
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