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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 24:20 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Luke 24:20, speaks from the perspective of the followers of Jesus, recounting the events leading up to the crucifixion.

This verse underscores the betrayal and the judicial process that resulted in Jesus' death.

The chief priests and rulers refer to the Jewish religious authorities of the time who viewed Jesus as a threat to their power and religious interpretation.

They are mentioned as the instigators who delivered Jesus to the Roman authorities to be condemned to death.

The phrase "have crucified him" denotes the Roman method of execution that was carried out, which Jewish authorities did not have the power to execute directly.

The deeper meaning reflects on the theme of injustice and the suffering of the innocent. It also points to the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's suffering and death.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 24:20 is set in the context of events following Jesus' resurrection.

The Gospel of Luke, written by the author Luke, is widely believed to have been composed around 60–110 AD and is part of the New Testament canon.

This gospel provides a historical account of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and teachings.

During the time of Jesus, Judea was under Roman occupation, and the Jewish authorities had limited power, often needing to collaborate with Roman rule to execute capital punishment.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights the concept of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes on the sins of humanity.

It also underscores the fulfilment of prophecies as Christians believe that the Old Testament predicted the Messiah's lineage, betrayal, suffering, and death.

Different theological interpretations may focus on the narrative of Christ's passion as a demonstration of God's love or an examination of human betrayal and the role of divine providence.

Some theologies may ponder the juxtaposition of human sin and divine grace evident in the crucifixion event.

Practical Applications

Luke 24:20 can inspire believers to reflect on themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the role of faith during times of persecution and injustice. It serves as a reminder of the cost of standing up for one's beliefs and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

The verse can also encourage individuals to examine their own actions and the potential consequences of conforming to societal pressures that contradict their values.

Cross-References

Matthew 27:1-2: "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor."
Mark 15:1: "And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate."
Isaiah 53:3: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "παρέδωκαν" (paredōkan) translates as "delivered" or "handed over," indicating a transfer of custody or authority. "Κατέκριναν" (katekrinan) means "condemned," reflecting a judgment against Jesus. "Σταυρώσαντες" (staurōsantes) is the Greek participle for "crucifying," indicating the method and the active role of the Jewish rulers despite not being directly responsible for the physical act of crucifixion, which was carried out by the Romans.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one might look at figures in other traditions who suffer or are sacrificed for a greater cause or good.

For example, the figure of Prometheus in Greek mythology, who is punished for giving fire to humanity, is sometimes compared to the self-sacrifice of Jesus.

However, the uniqueness of the Christian narrative lies in the resurrection, which is a cornerstone of Christian belief and not commonly found in other myths or religions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might review the historical and archaeological evidence for crucifixion as a Roman method of execution during the period, lending credence to the historical accounts detailed in the Gospels.

There are ongoing discussions in the fields of history, archaeology, and forensic science about the specifics of crucifixion and the possibility of survivals, which help to understand the cultural and societal norms of the era.

commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 24:20 offer diverse expert viewpoints.

Some emphasize the fulfilment of scriptural prophecy through the events described. Others focus on the historical accuracy and the reliability of the Gospel accounts, noting literary and theological themes.

Scholars like N.T. Wright often discuss the historical context of Second Temple Judaism and its impact on understanding Jesus' crucifixion. Meanwhile, others may analyze the psychological and interpersonal dynamics between Jesus, the Jewish rulers, and the Roman authorities.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:20 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 24:20 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?