John 13:23

Leaning on Jesus’ bosom. For a discussion of the custom of reclining at banquets see on Mark 2:15. Guests reclined upon their left arms upon cushions especially designed for such occasions. The fact that John rested his head on the bosom of Jesus shows that his position was to the right of Jesus. Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece, the Last Supper, does not correctly represent the way in which the guests reclined at the table.

Whom Jesus loved. John’s favorite designation of himself (see vs. 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). In ch. 20:2 the word for “loved” is phileō, whereas in the other passages agapaō is used (see on ch. 11:5).