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Luke 24

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

And they remembered his words,

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass therein these days?

And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

And he took it, and did eat before them.

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

And ye are witnesses of these things.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

What does Luke 24:12 mean?

Explanation

Luke 24:12 pertains to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a cornerstone event in Christian theology.

In the narrative, Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, rushes to the tomb where Jesus was laid after the crucifixion.

Upon arrival, he stoops down to look inside and notices the linen clothes that had previously wrapped Jesus' body.

These clothes are now lying by themselves, implying that the body is no longer there.

The verse concludes with Peter leaving the tomb, filled with wonder and pondering the significance of the empty grave.

This scene is important because it documents the initial discovery that Jesus' body is no longer in the tomb, leading to the realization that He has risen from the dead.

The literal meaning illustrates the emptiness of the grave, while the deeper meaning touches on the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that He would rise again after three days, providing a foundation for the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life.

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Historical Context

Luke 24:12 is set in the context of Jewish Palestine in the first century A.D. during the time shortly after Jesus' crucifixion under Roman authority.

Jerusalem was the focal point of these events, particularly during the Jewish festival of Passover, when the city would be crowded with pilgrims.

The practice of burial was typically done by wrapping the deceased in linen cloths and placing the body in a rock-hewn tomb.

In Jewish custom, the body of the deceased would be prepared with spices and ointments and visited by loved ones.

The Gospel accounts explain that due to the Sabbath, there was not enough time to properly prepare Jesus' body, leading to the disciples and other followers returning to the tomb after the Sabbath was over.

Theological Insights

This verse provides theological insights mainly in the area of Christology, the understanding of the nature and work of Christ. In particular, it touches upon the doctrine of the resurrection.

From a Christian perspective, the resurrection is a real, historical event that demonstrates Jesus' victory over death and the grave, showcasing His divine nature.

Different theological interpretations may emphasize various aspects of this event.

Some see the resurrection as a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy, while others highlight its implications for the hope of life after death. Still others focus on the apologetic significance, the empty tomb as proof of the truth of Christianity.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Luke 24:12 involve faith and belief in the face of uncertainty.

As Peter wondered at the events that had transpired, so too are Christians encouraged to confront confusing or challenging circumstances with faith that God can bring about the unexpected.

It also speaks to the importance of seeking truth and being a witness to the world, as Peter was among the first to witness the evidence of Jesus' resurrection.

Personal transformation and hope are also applications of this verse, as the resurrection signifies new life and a new beginning, not bound by the finality of physical death.

Believers are encouraged to embody this new life in their daily actions and attitudes, situating their hope not just in this life, but in the life to come.

Cross-References

John 20:3-7: "Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. ...

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in."

Mark 16:5-7: "And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted."
John 20:8-9: "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed."
1 Corinthians 15:4: "And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Koine Greek are as follows:

"Anastas" (ἀναστὰς): Translated as "arose," this word carries the basic meaning of getting up or rising and is related to the term "anastasis" (ἀνάστασις), which means resurrection.
"Trepo" (τρέχω): Meaning "ran," indicating the urgency and speed with which Peter approached the situation.
"Parakupto" (παρακύπτω): Translated as "stooping down," describing Peter's action to look into the tomb, suggesting a posture of investigation and careful observation.
"Theoreo" (θεωρέω): Rendered as "beheld," it goes deeper than mere seeing; it implies contemplative observation, the kind that seeks understanding.
"Thaumazo" (θαυμάζω): To wonder, be amazed, or astonished.

Peter's reaction demonstrates his amazement and confusion at the sight.

Understanding these words in their original context provides insight into the actions and emotions of Peter upon discovering the empty tomb.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The resurrection narrative in Christianity has parallels in other ancient myths and religions. For example, the concept of a dying and rising god can be found in several mythologies, such as the story of Osiris in Egyptian mythology.

However, these myths often operate within a cyclical view of time and nature, whereas the Christian resurrection is a unique, historical, and once-for-all event according to its adherents.

Comparisons may also be drawn to mystery religions which promised some form of afterlife to their initiates; however, the Christian promise of physical resurrection is distinct from the spiritual immortality often found in these religions.

Scientific Perspectives

In terms of scientific understanding, the account of the resurrection, including the empty tomb, is supernatural and therefore beyond the realm of empirical investigation.

Scholars approach the narrative from historical and literary perspectives rather than scientific ones, since scientific methods are not designed to test or measure miraculous events.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various interpretations and insights regarding Luke 24:12.

Some emphasize the historical reliability of the account, pointing to Peter's actions as a natural response that adds to the narrative's credibility.

Others focus on the theological implications, considering the empty tomb as evidence of Jesus' divine authority and victory over death.

Still, others reflect on the human element, praising Peter's willingness to step into the unknown, which mirrors the journey of faith for many believers.

However, there is also a scholarly perspective that sees the account as a theological construct rather than a literal historical event. These differing viewpoints underscore the multiplicity of interpretations and the depth of meaning that can be drawn from this single verse.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 24:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?