Discovery BoxLuke 24:1-52
Context24:1 Now on the first day 1 of the week, at early dawn, the women 2 went to the tomb, taking the aromatic spices 3 they had prepared. 24:2 They 4 found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, 5 24:3 but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 6 24:4 While 7 they were perplexed 8 about this, suddenly 9 two men stood beside them in dazzling 10 attire. 24:5 The 11 women 12 were terribly frightened 13 and bowed 14 their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living 15 among the dead? 24:6 He is not here, but has been raised! 16 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 17 24:7 that 18 the Son of Man must be delivered 19 into the hands of sinful men, 20 and be crucified, 21 and on the third day rise again.” 22 24:8 Then 23 the women remembered his words, 24 24:9 and when they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven 25 and to all the rest. 24:10 Now it was Mary Magdalene, 26 Joanna, 27 Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles. 24:11 But these words seemed like pure nonsense 28 to them, and they did not believe them. 24:12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. 29 He bent down 30 and saw only the strips of linen cloth; 31 then he went home, 32 wondering 33 what had happened. 34
24:13 Now 35 that very day two of them 36 were on their way to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles 37 from Jerusalem. 38 24:14 They 39 were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. 24:15 While 40 they were talking and debating 41 these things, 42 Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them 24:16 (but their eyes were kept 43 from recognizing 44 him). 45 24:17 Then 46 he said to them, “What are these matters 47 you are discussing so intently 48 as you walk along?” And they stood still, looking sad. 24:18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, 49 “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know 50 the things that have happened there 51 in these days?” 24:19 He 52 said to them, “What things?” “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene,” they replied, “a man 53 who, with his powerful deeds and words, proved to be a prophet 54 before God and all the people; 24:20 and how our chief priests and rulers handed him over 55 to be condemned to death, and crucified 56 him. 24:21 But we had hoped 57 that he was the one who was going to redeem 58 Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened. 24:22 Furthermore, some women of our group amazed us. 59 They 60 were at the tomb early this morning, 24:23 and when they did not find his body, they came back and said they had seen a vision of angels, 61 who said he was alive. 24:24 Then 62 some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 63 24:25 So 64 he said to them, “You 65 foolish people 66 – how slow of heart 67 to believe 68 all that the prophets have spoken! 24:26 Wasn’t 69 it necessary 70 for the Christ 71 to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 24:27 Then 72 beginning with Moses and all the prophets, 73 he interpreted to them the things written about 74 himself in all the scriptures.
24:28 So they approached the village where they were going. He acted as though he wanted to go farther, 75 24:29 but they urged him, 76 “Stay with us, because it is getting toward evening and the day is almost done.” So 77 he went in to stay with them.
24:30 When 78 he had taken his place at the table 79 with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, 80 and gave it to them. 24:31 At this point 81 their eyes were opened and they recognized 82 him. 83 Then 84 he vanished out of their sight. 24:32 They 85 said to each other, “Didn’t 86 our hearts 87 burn within us 88 while he was speaking with us on the road, while he was explaining 89 the scriptures to us?” 24:33 So 90 they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. 91 They 92 found the eleven and those with them gathered together 24:34 and 93 saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon!” 94 24:35 Then they told what had happened on the road, 95 and how they recognized him 96 when he broke the bread.
24:36 While they were saying these things, Jesus 97 himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 98 24:37 But they were startled and terrified, thinking 99 they saw a ghost. 100 24:38 Then 101 he said to them, “Why are you frightened, 102 and why do doubts 103 arise in your hearts? 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet; it’s me! 104 Touch me and see; a ghost 105 does not have flesh and bones like you see I have.” 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 106 24:41 And while they still could not believe it 107 (because of their joy) and were amazed, 108 he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 109 24:42 So 110 they gave him a piece of broiled fish, 24:43 and he took it and ate it in front of them.
24:44 Then 111 he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me 112 in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms 113 must be fulfilled.” 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures, 114 24:46 and said to them, “Thus it stands written that the Christ 115 would suffer 116 and would rise from the dead on the third day, 24:47 and repentance 117 for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed 118 in his name to all nations, 119 beginning from Jerusalem. 120 24:48 You are witnesses 121 of these things. 24:49 And look, I am sending you 122 what my Father promised. 123 But stay in the city 124 until you have been clothed with power 125 from on high.”
24:50 Then 126 Jesus 127 led them out as far as Bethany, 128 and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 24:51 Now 129 during the blessing 130 he departed 131 and was taken up into heaven. 132 24:52 So 133 they worshiped 134 him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 135
[24:1] 1 sn The first day of the week is the day after the Sabbath.
[24:1] 2 tn Grk “they”; the referent (the women mentioned in 23:55) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[24:1] 3 tn On this term see BDAG 140-41 s.v. ἄρωμα. See also the note on “aromatic spices” in 23:56.
[24:2] 4 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
[24:2] 5 sn Luke tells the story of the empty tomb with little drama. He simply notes that when they arrived the stone had been rolled away in a position where the tomb could be entered. This large stone was often placed in a channel so that it could be easily moved by rolling it aside. The other possibility is that it was merely placed over the opening in a position from which it had now been moved.
[24:3] 6 tc The translation follows the much better attested longer reading here, “body of the Lord Jesus” (found in {Ì75 א A B C L W Θ Ψ Ë1,13 33 565 700 Ï}), rather than simply “the body” (found in D it) or “the body of Jesus” (found in 579 1241 pc). Further, although this is the only time that “Lord Jesus” occurs in Luke, it seems to be Luke’s normal designation for the Lord after his resurrection (note the many references to Christ in this manner in Acts, e.g., 1:21; 4:33; 7:59; 8:16; 11:17; 15:11; 16:31; 19:5; 20:21; 28:31). Although such a longer reading as this would normally be suspect, in this case some scribes, accustomed to Luke’s more abbreviated style, did not take the resurrection into account.
[24:4] 7 tn Grk “And it happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:4] 8 tn Or “bewildered.” The term refers to a high state of confusion and anxiety.
[24:4] 10 sn The brilliantly shining clothing (dazzling attire) points to the fact that these are angels (see 24:23).
[24:5] 11 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
[24:5] 12 tn Grk “they”; the referent (the women) has been specified in the translation for clarity (the same has been done in v. 8).
[24:5] 13 tn Or “They were extremely afraid.”
[24:5] 14 sn Bowed their faces to the ground. Such respect for angels is common: Dan 7:28; 10:9, 15.
[24:5] 15 sn By referring to Jesus as the living, the angels make it clear that he is alive. There should be no surprise.
[24:6] 16 tc The phrase “He is not here, but has been raised” is omitted by a few
[24:6] 17 sn While he was still in Galilee looks back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. So the point is that this was announced long ago, and should come as no surprise.
[24:7] 18 tn Grk “saying that,” but this would be redundant in English. Although the translation represents this sentence as indirect discourse, the Greek could equally be taken as direct discourse: “Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee: ‘the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’”
[24:7] 19 tn See Luke 9:22, 44; 13:33.
[24:7] 20 tn Because in the historical context the individuals who were primarily responsible for the death of Jesus (the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem in Luke’s view [see Luke 9:22]) would have been men, the translation “sinful men” for ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν (anqrwpwn Jamartwlwn) is retained here.
[24:7] 21 sn See the note on crucify in 23:21.
[24:7] 22 tn Here the infinitive ἀναστῆναι (anasthnai) is active rather than passive.
[24:8] 23 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:8] 24 sn On his words see Luke 9:22.
[24:9] 25 sn Judas is now absent and “the twelve” have now become “the eleven.” Other disciples are also gathered with the remaining eleven.
[24:10] 26 sn Mary Magdalene is always noted first in the appearance lists in the gospels. It is unusual that the first appearance would involve women as in this culture their role as witnesses would not be well accepted. It is a sign of the veracity of the account, because if an ancient were to create such a story he would never have it start with women.
[24:10] 27 sn On Joanna see Luke 8:1-3.
[24:11] 28 sn The term pure nonsense can describe idle talk or a tale. The point is important, since the disciples reacted with disbelief that a resurrection was possible. Sometimes it is thought the ancients were gullible enough to believe anything. But these disciples needed convincing about the resurrection.
[24:12] 29 sn While the others dismissed the report of the women, Peter got up and ran to the tomb, for he had learned to believe in what the Lord had said.
[24:12] 30 sn In most instances the entrance to such tombs was less than 3 ft (1 m) high, so that an adult would have to bend down and practically crawl inside.
[24:12] 31 tn In the NT this term is used only for strips of cloth used to wrap a body for burial (LN 6.154; BDAG 693 s.v. ὀθόνιον).
[24:12] 32 tn Or “went away, wondering to himself.” The prepositional phrase πρὸς ἑαυτόν (pros Jeauton) can be understood with the preceding verb ἀπῆλθεν (aphlqen) or with the following participle θαυμάζων (qaumazwn), but it more likely belongs with the former (cf. John 20:10, where the phrase can only refer to the verb).
[24:12] 33 sn Peter’s wondering was not a lack of faith, but struggling in an attempt to understand what could have happened.
[24:12] 34 tc Some Western
[24:13] 35 tn Grk “And behold.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic. The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
[24:13] 36 tn These are disciples as they know about the empty tomb and do not know what to make of it all.
[24:13] 37 tn Grk “sixty stades” or about 11 kilometers. A stade (στάδιον, stadion) was a unit of distance about 607 feet (187 meters) long.
[24:13] 38 map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.
[24:14] 39 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:15] 40 tn Grk “And it happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:15] 41 tn This term suggests emotional dialogue and can thus be translated “debated.”
[24:15] 42 tn The phrase “these things” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
[24:16] 43 sn The two disciples will not be allowed to recognize Jesus until v. 31.
[24:16] 44 tn This is an epexegetical (i.e., explanatory) infinitive in Greek.
[24:16] 45 sn This parenthetical remark by the author is necessary so the reader will understand the account.
[24:17] 46 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:17] 47 tn Grk “words,” but the term λόγος (logos) can refer to “matters” rather than only “words” (BDAG 600 s.v. 1.a.ε).
[24:17] 48 tn “Discussing so intently” translates the reciprocal idea conveyed by πρὸς ἀλλήλους (pro" allhlou"). The term ἀντιβάλλω (antiballw), used only here in the NT, has the nuance of “arguing” or “debating” a point (the English idiom “to exchange words” also comes close).
[24:18] 49 tn Grk “answering him, said.” This is redundant in English and has been simplified in the translation.
[24:18] 50 sn There is irony and almost a sense of mocking disbelief as the question “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” comes to Jesus; but, of course, the readers know what the travelers do not.
[24:18] 51 tn Grk “in it” (referring to the city of Jerusalem).
[24:19] 52 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:19] 53 tn This translates the Greek term ἀνήρ (anhr).
[24:19] 54 sn The role of Jesus as prophet is a function Luke frequently mentions: 4:25-27; 9:35; 13:31-35.
[24:20] 55 sn Handed him over is another summary of the passion like Luke 9:22.
[24:20] 56 sn See the note on crucify in 23:21.
[24:21] 57 tn The imperfect verb looks back to the view that they held during Jesus’ past ministry.
[24:21] 58 sn Their messianic hope concerning Jesus is expressed by the phrase who was going to redeem Israel.
[24:22] 59 sn The account in 24:1-12 is repeated here, and it is clear that the other disciples were not convinced by the women, but could not explain the events either.
[24:22] 60 tn In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence, but because of the length and complexity of the construction a new sentence was started here in the translation.
[24:23] 61 sn The men in dazzling attire mentioned in v. 4 are identified as angels here.
[24:24] 62 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:24] 63 tn Here the pronoun αὐτόν (auton), referring to Jesus, is in an emphatic position. The one thing they lacked was solid evidence that he was alive.
[24:25] 64 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the disciples’ inability to believe in Jesus’ resurrection.
[24:25] 65 tn Grk “O,” an interjection used both in address and emotion (BDAG 1101 s.v. 1).
[24:25] 66 tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is supplied to complete the interjection.
[24:25] 67 sn The rebuke is for failure to believe the promise of scripture, a theme that will appear in vv. 43-47 as well.
[24:25] 68 tn On the syntax of this infinitival construction, see BDAG 364-65 s.v. ἐπί 6.b.
[24:26] 69 tn This Greek particle (οὐχί, ouci) expects a positive reply.
[24:26] 70 sn The statement Wasn’t it necessary is a reference to the design of God’s plan (see Luke 24:7). Suffering must precede glory (see Luke 17:25).
[24:26] 71 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
[24:27] 72 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:27] 73 sn The reference to Moses and all the prophets is a way to say the promise of Messiah runs throughout OT scripture from first to last.
[24:27] 74 tn Or “regarding,” “concerning.” “Written” is implied by the mention of the scriptures in context; “said” could also be used here, referring to the original utterances, but by now these things had been committed to writing.
[24:28] 75 sn He acted as though he wanted to go farther. This is written in a way that gives the impression Jesus knew they would ask him to stay.
[24:29] 76 tn Grk “urged him, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes, “saying”) has not been translated because it is redundant in contemporary English.
[24:29] 77 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the disciples’ request.
[24:30] 78 tn Grk “And it happened that when.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:30] 79 tn Grk “had reclined at table,” as 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.
[24:30] 80 tn The pronoun “it” is not in the Greek text here or in the following clause, but is implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
[24:31] 81 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “At this point” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative. “Then,” which is normally used to indicate this, would be redundant with the following clause.
[24:31] 82 sn They recognized him. Other than this cryptic remark, it is not told how the two disciples were now able to recognize Jesus.
[24:31] 83 tn This pronoun is somewhat emphatic.
[24:31] 84 tn This translates a καί (kai, “and”) that has clear sequential force.
[24:32] 85 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:32] 86 tn This question uses a Greek particle (οὐχί, ouci) that expects a positive reply.
[24:32] 87 tn This is a collective singular use of the term καρδία (kardia), so each of their hearts were burning, a reference itself to the intense emotion of their response.
[24:32] 88 tc ‡ Most
[24:32] 89 tn Grk “opening” (cf. Acts 17:3).
[24:33] 90 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the Lord’s appearance to them.
[24:33] 91 map For location see Map5 B1; Map6 F3; Map7 E2; Map8 F2; Map10 B3; JP1 F4; JP2 F4; JP3 F4; JP4 F4.
[24:33] 92 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[24:34] 93 tn Here the word “and” has been supplied to make it clear that the disciples who had been to Emmaus found the eleven plus the others gathered and saying this.
[24:34] 94 sn The Lord…has appeared to Simon. Jesus had made another appearance besides the one on the road. The excitement was rising. Simon refers to Simon Peter.
[24:35] 95 sn Now with the recounting of what had happened on the road two sets of witnesses corroborate the women’s report.
[24:35] 96 tn Grk “how he was made known to them”; or “how he was recognized by them.” Here the passive construction has been converted to an active one in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.
[24:36] 97 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[24:36] 98 tc The words “and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” are lacking in some Western
[24:37] 99 sn The disciples were still not comfortable at this point thinking that this could be Jesus raised from the dead. Instead they thought they saw a spirit.
[24:37] 100 tc This is not a reference to “a phantom” as read by the Western ms D. For πνεῦμα (pneuma) having the force of “ghost,” or “an independent noncorporeal being, in contrast to a being that can be perceived by the physical senses,” see BDAG 833-34 s.v. πνεῦμα 4.
[24:38] 101 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:38] 102 tn Or “disturbed,” “troubled.”
[24:38] 103 tn The expression here is an idiom; see BDAG 58 s.v. ἀναβαίνω 2. Here καρδία (kardia) is a collective singular; the expression has been translated as plural in English.
[24:39] 104 tn Grk “that it is I myself.”
[24:39] 105 tn See tc note on “ghost” in v. 37.
[24:40] 106 tc Some Western
[24:41] 107 sn They still could not believe it. Is this a continued statement of unbelief? Or is it a rhetorical expression of their amazement? They are being moved to faith, so a rhetorical force is more likely here.
[24:41] 108 sn Amazement is the common response to unusual activity: 1:63; 2:18; 4:22; 7:9; 8:25; 9:43; 11:14; 20:26.
[24:41] 109 sn Do you have anything here to eat? Eating would remove the idea that a phantom was present. Angelic spirits refused a meal in Jdt 13:16 and Tob 12:19, but accepted it in Gen 18:8; 19:3 and Tob 6:6.
[24:42] 110 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of Jesus’ request for food.
[24:44] 111 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:44] 112 sn Everything written about me. The divine plan, events, and scripture itself are seen here as being one.
[24:44] 113 sn For a similar threefold division of the OT scriptures, see the prologue to Sirach, lines 8-10, and from Qumran, the epilogue to 4QMMT, line 10.
[24:45] 114 sn Luke does not mention specific texts here, but it is likely that many of the scriptures he mentioned elsewhere in Luke-Acts would have been among those he had in mind.
[24:46] 115 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
[24:46] 116 tn Three Greek infinitives are the key to this summary: (1) to suffer, (2) to rise, and (3) to be preached. The Christ (Messiah) would be slain, would be raised, and a message about repentance would go out into all the world as a result. All of this was recorded in the scripture. The remark shows the continuity between Jesus’ ministry, the scripture, and what disciples would be doing as they declared the Lord risen.
[24:47] 117 sn This repentance has its roots in declarations of the Old Testament. It is the Hebrew concept of a turning of direction.
[24:47] 118 tn Or “preached,” “announced.”
[24:47] 119 sn To all nations. The same Greek term (τὰ ἔθνη, ta eqnh) may be translated “the Gentiles” or “the nations.” The hope of God in Christ was for all the nations from the beginning.
[24:47] 120 sn Beginning from Jerusalem. See Acts 2, which is where it all starts.
[24:48] 121 sn You are witnesses. This becomes a key concept of testimony in Acts. See Acts 1:8.
[24:49] 122 tn Grk “sending on you.”
[24:49] 123 tn Grk “the promise of my Father,” with τοῦ πατρός (tou patros) translated as a subjective genitive. This is a reference to the Holy Spirit and looks back to how one could see Messiah had come with the promise of old (Luke 3:15-18). The promise is rooted in Jer 31:31 and Ezek 36:26.
[24:49] 124 sn The city refers to Jerusalem.
[24:49] 125 sn Until you have been clothed with power refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What the Spirit supplies is enablement. See Luke 12:11-12; 21:12-15. The difference the Spirit makes can be seen in Peter (compare Luke 22:54-62 with Acts 2:14-41).
[24:50] 126 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[24:50] 127 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[24:50] 128 sn Bethany was village on the Mount of Olives about 2 mi (3 km) from Jerusalem; see John 11:1, 18.
[24:51] 129 tn Grk “And it happened that while.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
[24:51] 130 tn Grk “while he blessed them.”
[24:51] 131 tn Grk “he departed from them.”
[24:51] 132 tc The reference to the ascension (“and was taken up into heaven”) is lacking in א* D it sys, but it is found in Ì75 and the rest of the ms tradition. The authenticity of the statement here seems to be presupposed in Acts 1:2, for otherwise it is difficult to account for Luke’s reference to the ascension there. For a helpful discussion, see TCGNT 162-63.
[24:52] 133 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the result of Jesus’ ascension and the concluding summary of Luke’s Gospel.
[24:52] 134 tc The reference to worship is lacking in the Western ms D, its last major omission in this Gospel.
[24:52] 135 sn Joy is another key theme for Luke: 1:14; 2:10; 8:13; 10:17; 15:7, 10; 24:41.
