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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 24:2 mean?

Explanation

Luke 24:2 discusses an event that occurred on the first day of the week after Jesus' crucifixion.

This verse simply states that when certain women (earlier identified in Luke 23:55-56 as the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee) went to Jesus' tomb, they found the stone that had sealed the tomb was already rolled away.

This verse sets the stage for the discovery that Jesus' body is no longer in the tomb, which is a foundational element of the Christian faith: the resurrection.

The literal meaning pertains to the physical absence of the stone, while the deeper significance alludes to the miraculous nature of the resurrection, the defeat of death, and the divine confirmation of Jesus' teachings and divinity.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, which is generally believed to have been written around 80-110 AD. The authorship is traditionally attributed to Luke the Evangelist.

Historically, Jesus was crucified around 30-33 AD under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius, emperor of Rome.

The Jewish customs of the time required that bodies be anointed with spices after death, which is why the women were visiting the tomb.

Tombs were often sealed with large stones both for protection against grave robbers and to prevent the spread of decay.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, the rolled-away stone symbolizes that no physical barrier can contain the power of God.

It indicates that Jesus had risen, just as he said he would, validating his prophecy and divinity.

Various theologians suggest this event signifies the triumph over death and sin for humanity.

For Christians, this is the moment which paves the way for eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ.

Different denominations may slightly vary in their interpretation, but the core concept of the resurrection and its implications for salvation remain central.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be considered a reminder for believers about hope and faith.

Just as the stone was rolled away to reveal the resurrection, individuals can reflect on the ways they believe God can move the figurative "stones" in their lives that may be barriers to spiritual growth or faith.

It encourages the faithful to trust in seemingly impossible situations and to have faith in God's power over even the most formidable obstacles.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:2: "And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."
Mark 16:4: "And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great."
John 20:1: "The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre."

Language Study

The Greek word used for "stone" is "λίθος" (lithos), which refers to a stone or boulder.

"Rolled away" comes from "ἀποκυλίω" (apokulió), which means to roll away or aside.

The phrase emphasizes the physical movement and suggests a significant force or intervention, considering the size and weight of the stones that were used to seal tombs at that time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, the theme of a god or hero overcoming death is not unique to Christianity. Similar parallels can be found in stories such as the Egyptian god Osiris, who is killed and resurrected, and the Sumerian goddess Inanna, who descends into the underworld and returns.

However, within Christianity, the event of the resurrection as described in Luke differs significantly as it relates to an actual historical figure and carries a specific theological significance regarding salvation and eternal life.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the rolling away of the stone is often interpreted as requiring human or natural intervention.

Some scholars have speculated on the possible natural occurrences, such as an earthquake, which might have moved the stone, albeit such speculation does not align with the theological beliefs of the resurrection as a divine miracle.

Furthermore, there is no contemporary geological evidence to support an earthquake at that specific time in the region of Jerusalem.

Commentaries

Several biblical scholars offer insights into Luke 24:2. For instance:

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the surprise and confusion among the women when finding the stone rolled away, contrasting human expectations with God's actions.
The MacArthur Study Bible suggests the rolling away of the stone served not to let Jesus out, but to show He was already risen, as an indication to witnesses that the tomb was empty.
N.T.

Wright, a New Testament historian and theologian, highlights that Luke's narrative confirms the physical resurrection of Jesus, rather than a spiritual or metaphorical one, through the details of the empty tomb and the physical absence of Jesus' body.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:2 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 24:2 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?