Note 4 at Jn. 13:23: It was not customary in Jesus' day to sit in chairs around a table at meals. Instead, the people reclined on couches or pillows. This is why John (see "Introduction to the Gospel of John," p. xx) could lean on Jesus' chest during the meal.

It is unclear whether or not this phrase, "leaning on Jesus' bosom," was used figuratively as in Luke 16:22, or whether it literally happened. It certainly would not be out of order for Jesus, who loved John enough to die for him, to show and receive this type of affection.

Note 5 at Jn. 13:23: This disciple "whom Jesus loved" is not named in this instance. A similar terminology is used four other times in John's gospel referring to a specific disciple (Jn. 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20,24), which was the apostle John, himself (see "Introduction to the Gospel of John," p. xx).