NT Characters: Malchus

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/malchusmp3/">website</a>.</p><p><strong>Identity</strong></p><ol><li>A common name in the Arab kingdoms of Nabatea and Palmyra. Possibly an Arab slave of Caiaphas?</li><li>As assistant to the most powerful (Jewish) man in Israel, Malchus occupied a position of respect.</li><li>Walked at the front of the guards, given his close connection to the high priest.</li><li>Speculation: M. may have been Caiaphas' "ear" in Jerusalem. (C. would have had many enemies.)</li><li>May have been the one with whom Judas had made the betrayal arrangements.</li><li>His relative identified Peter as his attacker (John 18:26).</li></ol><p><strong>About the attack</strong><br /> </p><ul><li>Attacker and victim are unnamed except for in John's account.<br /><ul><li>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.</li><li>If John is the latest of the four gospels (as commonly presumed), then Malchus may have come to faith in Christ later in life.</li></ul></li><li>Peter may have been attacking a surrogate.<br /><ul><li>Consider 2 Samuel 10:4 and Matthew 21:35.</li><li>Malchus would have been more accessible (less heavily guarded) than Caiaphas.</li></ul></li><li>What is the significance of the <i>right ear</i> (detail in Luke's and John's accounts)?<br /><ul><li>Insult? Maiming disqualified one for priesthood.</li><li>Aiming for the head and missed? (Did M. move?)</li><li>A left-handed attacker? Or was P. attacking from behind?</li></ul></li><li>Was M. zealous to see Jesus arrested?<ul><li>He may have mirrored the values of his master, or have been selected for his zealous qualities.</li><li>See the references in Josephus and the Tosefta below.</li></ul></li><li>Jesus' actions demonstrate love for his enemies.</li></ul><p><strong>References</strong></p><ul><li>Mark 14:42</li><li>Matthew 26:51</li><li>Luke 22:50</li><li>John 18:10, 26</li><li>