John 13:23

Verse 23. One of his disciples. Saint John himself was lying at table in (or towards) the bosom of Jesus. [1] These words seem to express the manner that the Jews were placed at table. They had couches about a table, to lean or lie upon; and three for example upon each couch. The master, or head of the company, was placed in the midst; so that we may suppose, that Christ was placed on one of these couches in the midst, Saint Peter on one side of him, and Saint John on the other; and that Saint John, in that resting and leaning posture, had his head all the time turned, and inclined towards Christ’s bosom: yet it can scarce be imagined, that his head laid continually upon our Saviour’s breast or bosom; for this posture would have been very uneasy to Jesus, or to any one. Saint John then leaned all supper time towards Jesus’s bosom or breast, but not upon it. Witham.—Whilst all were fearing for themselves, and Peter, the very head of the apostles, was trembling, Saint John rests; reposing on the bosom of Jesus. Saint John Chrysostom hom. lxxi in Joan.