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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 24:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 24:23 contains a report made by the women who went to Jesus' tomb on the first day of the week following his crucifixion.

They had found the tomb empty and were reporting to the disciples that, in addition to not finding Jesus' body, they had seen a vision of angels who informed them that Jesus was alive.

This verse is a crucial component of the larger narrative of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith. It highlights the angelic confirmation of Jesus' victory over death and his resurrection, which is celebrated by Christians worldwide as Easter.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of Jewish culture under Roman rule in the first century AD.

Crucifixion was a common Roman practice for executing criminals and those considered a threat to the Empire.

The expectation of the Jewish people at the time was for a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule, so the idea of a suffering and dying Messiah was difficult for many to accept.

The report of the resurrection would have been startling and challenging to both Roman authority and Jewish expectations.

The narrative reflects the early Christian community's belief in Jesus' physical resurrection, which was essential for their faith and proclamation.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ, which suggests that death is not the final word and that there is a hope of eternal life.

From a Christian standpoint, the resurrection is seen as validation of Jesus' divine nature and mission, and proof of his power over death.

Differing viewpoints within Christianity might emphasize various aspects, such as the role of women as the first evangelists of the resurrection (since it was women who first reported Jesus had risen), or the nature of angelic beings as messengers of God.

Some denominations might focus more on the literal bodily resurrection, whereas others might interpret it more metaphorically or spiritually.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire individuals to maintain hope even in the face of apparent defeat or loss. It can encourage faith in the midst of difficult circumstances, emphasizing the belief that circumstances can change dramatically and unexpectedly.

Additionally, the role of women in the resurrection narrative can be a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the valuing of testimonies from all members of a community.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:5-6 - "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.

Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

John 20:12-13 - "And seeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou?"

Mark 16:6 - "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this verse carry significant meaning. Two key terms from this verse are:

"Vision" (ὀπτασία - optasia): This term suggests a manifestation that is seen, often understood to be of a divine or supernatural appearance.
"Alive" (ζῶν - zōn): This word is the present participle of "to live" and is used in this verse to indicate that Jesus is not just resurrected momentarily, but is living, continuing to exist beyond death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of resurrection is not unique to Christianity; it can be compared to other ancient myths like the Egyptian story of Osiris or the Sumerian tale of Inanna.

In these stories, a deity dies and is brought back to life, often symbolizing cycles of nature and fertility.

However, the Christian message of resurrection is distinct in its historical specificity and its centrality to the faith as a historical event with soteriological significance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of resurrection presents challenges because it does not fit within the current understanding of biological processes and death.

Generally, science, based on observable and repeatable evidence, does not support the concept of dead organisms returning to life after a pronounced death.

Therefore, the resurrection is generally considered a matter of faith rather than empirical science.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse by Biblical scholars often emphasize the historical reliability of the resurrection accounts, noting the multiple independent sources recording the event in the Gospels.

Scholars such as N.

Wright argue that the empty tomb and the transformation of the disciples point to the resurrection as a historical occurrence.

Other scholars, however, may be more skeptical about the historicity of the resurrection narratives, viewing them as theological constructs.

The witnessing of angels by the women is commonly cited in commentaries as an important affirmation of the resurrected Christ, signifying a divine endorsement of the truth of the resurrection.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:23 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 24:23 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?