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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 24:36 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Luke captures a significant moment within the Christian narrative – the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus Christ to his disciples.

The immediate context is the confusion and disbelief among the disciples following the crucifixion of Jesus.

His sudden appearance amidst them serves to provide comfort, evidence of his resurrection, and a reaffirmation of peace.

The phrase "Peace be unto you" is particularly meaningful, as it is not only a common greeting but also a profound conveyance of tranquility and reassurance following the turmoil of Jesus’s death.

In the broader Christian theology, this encounter not only confirms Jesus' triumph over death but also prefigures the peace that he offers through salvation.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

This verse is set in a post-resurrection narrative where Jesus appears to his disciples who are gathered together, likely in Jerusalem.

The historical context is the early Jewish-Christian community coming to terms with the events of the crucifixion and struggling with the implications of the empty tomb.

In the 1st century Jewish culture, a common greeting like "Peace be unto you" (Shalom Aleichem in Hebrew) would have been familiar, but here it takes on a new dimension with the presence of the risen Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, different denominations might interpret this verse in varying ways:

Orthodox/Catholic: May emphasize the communal aspect of Christ's appearance and peace as a gift of grace from the resurrected Lord.
Protestant/Evangelical: Might focus on the personal relationship with Jesus, highlighting the individual peace that Christ offers to believers.
Liberal: Could interpret the presence of Jesus as symbolic of the ever-present divine reassurance in times of distress or doubt.
Skeptical: Might question the historicity of the resurrection appearances and might view the narrative as an allegorical or spiritual lesson rather than a literal event.

Practical Applications

This verse inspires believers to find peace amidst turmoil.

It suggests that just as Jesus granted peace to the disciples in a time of fear, individuals today can find solace and tranquility in their faith, especially during difficult times.

The narrative encourages community, fellowship, and supporting one another during times of uncertainty.

Cross-References

John 20:19: "Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
John 20:26: "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."
John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Language Study

In analyzing the original Greek text, the word "εἰρήνη" (eirēnē) translates to "peace," which carries meanings of harmony, tranquility, and the absence of hostility. This is akin to the Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), which similarly encompasses notions of wholeness and well-being.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a divine figure appearing after death to offer peace and reassurance is not unique to Christianity.

Other cultural and religious myths sometimes include resurrected deities or heroes who return to offer guidance or demonstrate victory over death.

Examples of resurrection and divine reassurance can be seen in the stories from the ancient Egyptian cult of Osiris and the Greek myth of Persephone.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, post-mortem appearances are not recognized as feasible.

Therefore, the scientific community would interpret the accounts of Jesus' appearances as something outside the realm of empirical study, possibly as psychological experiences of the disciples or metaphorical storytelling.

Commentaries

Commentators have various interpretations of this passage:

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that this verse illustrates the comfort and peace that Jesus brings in the midst of fear and that the disciples' joyful surprise is an emblem of the joy of the resurrection.
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary: Offers critical scholarship on the verse and may detail the theological implications of the post-resurrection narratives in Luke's Gospel.
The Pulpit Commentary: Often provides a historical and exegetical discussion of the text, possibly emphasizing the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to bring peace and his victory over death.
William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Could highlight the practical daily applications of the peace that Jesus offers and the importance of the presence of Christ in the Christian community.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:36 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 24:36 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?