NT Characters: Malchus

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
 

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 14:42Matthew 26:51Luke 22:50John 18:10, 26Tosefta 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.