Douglas Jacoby Podcast
NT Characters: Malchus
Episode Summary
Douglas continues his new series on New Testament Characters today looking at Malchus. Douglas shares what we learn from this lesser-known biblical character.
Episode Notes
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Identity
- A common name in the Arab kingdoms of Nabatea and Palmyra. Possibly an Arab slave of Caiaphas?
- As assistant to the most powerful (Jewish) man in Israel, Malchus occupied a position of respect.
- Walked at the front of the guards, given his close connection to the high priest.
- Speculation: M. may have been Caiaphas' "ear" in Jerusalem. (C. would have had many enemies.)
- May have been the one with whom Judas had made the betrayal arrangements.
- His relative identified Peter as his attacker (John 18:26).
About the attack
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- Attacker and victim are unnamed except for in John's account.
- Peter have been put in danger if he'd been named as Malchus' assailant. Once Peter had been executed (64-68 AD), naming him would have been a non-issue.
- If John is the latest of the four gospels (as commonly presumed), then Malchus may have come to faith in Christ later in life.
- Peter may have been attacking a surrogate.
- Consider 2 Samuel 10:4 and Matthew 21:35.
- Malchus would have been more accessible (less heavily guarded) than Caiaphas.
- What is the significance of the right ear (detail in Luke's and John's accounts)?
- Insult? Maiming disqualified one for priesthood.
- Aiming for the head and missed? (Did M. move?)
- A left-handed attacker? Or was P. attacking from behind?
- Was M. zealous to see Jesus arrested?
- He may have mirrored the values of his master, or have been selected for his zealous qualities.
- See the references in Josephus and the Tosefta below.
- Jesus' actions demonstrate love for his enemies.
References
- Mark 14:42
- Matthew 26:51
- Luke 22:50
- John 18:10, 26
- Tosefta Menahath xiii.21 and Josephus Antiquities xx.88, 92: The high priest's servant was noted for his violence.
Conclusion
- The last person Jesus saved was the thief on the cross; the last person he healed was Malchus.
- Did M. become a Christian?
- If he was never converted (and there is no record in church history), then that shows that even a miracle won't cause someone to come to faith and be saved.
- If he did become a disciple, this would explain the mentioning of his name, then this would have been quite an addition to the gospel story, and esp. to the Passion Narrative.
Lessons to learn:
- Pay attention to the details of the Bible. Even seemingly minor characters may have something to teach us.
- "Put your sword away." Violence achieves nothing.
- Love your enemy.
- Accept God's will, drink the cup. Don't rely on human thinking or the arm of flesh to save yourself from the cross.