Matthew 26 — the Last Supper & Gethsemane
The leaf that carries the words of institution — “this is my body… this is my blood of the covenant” — and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, reproduced at true scale on genuine Egyptian papyrus in a front-and-back acrylic frame.
Verso: Matt 26:37–52
Michigan, Ann Arbor
“This is my body…”
then Gethsemane.
The recto sits at the Passover table: Jesus foretells his betrayal — “one of you will betray me” — and then takes bread and the cup, giving the church its oldest words of worship: “Take, eat; this is my body… this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.”
Turn the leaf and the table gives way to the garden. In Gethsemane Jesus prays, “my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire,” finds the disciples asleep — “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” — and is arrested with a kiss.
From the upper room to your shelf
The Last Supper, then the garden
The recto gives the words of institution; the verso turns to Gethsemane and the arrest.
Matthew 26:26–28
“Take, eat; this is my body. …Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:39, 41
“my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire… The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Made by hand, made to order.
P37 preserves the Lord's Supper and the Gethsemane prayer from within a few generations of Matthew's circulation. Valued for its early, notably “mixed” text, its readings are cited in the apparatus of modern critical editions of the Greek New Testament (NA28, UBS5). Dating rests on handwriting and is a scholarly estimate.
Common questions
Is the display stand included?
The stand is optional. Choose “Add display stand” (+$20) to have it shown upright as in the photos, or “Replica only” for the framed piece on its own.
Is it really made on papyrus?
Yes — every replica is reproduced on genuine Egyptian papyrus, then framed by hand in a front-and-back acrylic display.
How long does it take to ship?
Each piece is made to order through a multi-week hand-replication process. Your exact timeline is shown at checkout, and we ship to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Can I see the text translated?
Yes — every leaf has a companion reading page with a full interlinear transcription and translation, letter by letter, including the words of institution of Matthew 26.
The Last Supper —
on your shelf.
Museum-grade, made to order, and framed to be read from both sides.
