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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 24:50 mean?

Explanation

Luke 24:50 recounts a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus Christ. After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of forty days.

In this verse, the author, traditionally believed to be Luke the physician and companion of Paul, describes the final physical departure of Jesus from his disciples as he leads them out toward Bethany.

Here, Jesus performs a gesture of lifting his hands which signifies a blessing.

This action would have been understood by his followers as a priestly blessing, mirroring the blessings performed by Jewish priests in the temple.

The blessing marks the culmination of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his disciples’ mission to continue his work.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the closing chapter of the Gospel of Luke, which covers the resurrection appearances of Jesus.

The event takes place after Jesus' crucifixion (around 30 AD), his resurrection, and his various post-resurrection appearances to many of his followers.

Bethany was a village on the Mount of Olives, about two miles east of Jerusalem.

It was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

Theological Insights

Different denominations offer varied theological interpretations of this verse.

Many see it as Jesus' final act on earth, providing both closure for his earthly mission and commissioning the disciples for their future work.

From a Trinitarian Christian viewpoint, the blessing could also be seen as pointing to the work of the Holy Spirit, which will soon come upon the disciples at Pentecost. Non-trinitarian perspectives might focus on the loyalty of Jesus to his mission and his role as a model for human conduct.

Practical Applications

This passage provides several applications for personal life.

Christians can find in Jesus' blessing an example of how to leave a positive and lasting impact on others before a departure. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship, guidance, and the empowering of others for a mission.

Moreover, it can be seen as a call to carry on one’s duties with devotion up to the very last moment.

Cross-References

Acts 1:9-11: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”
Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Mark 16:19: “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

Language Study

The original Greek language reveals significant keywords:

"ἤγαγεν (ēgagen)" translates to "he led," implying guidance and movement.
"αὐτοὺς (autous)" means "them," referring to Jesus' disciples.
"εἰς Βηθανίαν (eis Bethanian)" is "to Bethany," the designated location for this event.
"ἐπήρεν (epēren)" means "he lifted up," indicating a raise of the hands.
"τὰς χεῖρας (tas cheiras)" translates to "the hands," a common gesture in blessings.
"εὐλόγησεν (eulogēsen)" translates to "he blessed," meaning to offer a benediction or to invoke divine favor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one could look at similar ascension stories found in other traditions, such as those of Heracles in Greek mythology or the ascent of Muhammad during the Isra and Mi'raj in Islam.

The idea of ascending to the heavens is a common theme in many cultures and often signifies the deification or the special status of the individual.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not provide a description of any natural phenomenon amenable to scientific analysis.

It is a historical claim related to a specific religious belief in the supernatural event of Jesus ascending into heaven. The scientific method does not engage with supernatural explanations as it focuses on empirical evidence and natural laws.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have offered insights into this verse.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that Christ's leading them out of Jerusalem symbolizes the duty of the disciples to go into the wider world.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible states the significance of the location Bethany and reflects on Jesus' gesture of lifting his hands as a priestly action, common in blessings and prayers.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges comments on the importance of the witnessing by the disciples of this act, solidifying their faith and mission.

Luke 24

Luke 24

What does Luke 24:50 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 24:50 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?