The empty tomb
Luke 24:1–12FocusRemembering Jesus' words
Connection to the wholeThe women receive the resurrection announcement and report it, while the disciples struggle to accept what has been told them.
interpretation Luke 24:18
KJVAnd 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 there in these days?
Read it in context
The road to Emmaus
Start reading at Luke 24:13 (Luke 24:13 to Luke 24:35).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus interprets the Scriptures concerning His suffering and glory, and the two disciples return with their testimony.
- 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
- 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
- 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
- 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
- 24:17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
- 24:18 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 there in these days?
- 24:19 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:
- 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
- 24:21 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.
- 24:22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
- 24:23 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.
- 24:24 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.
- 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
- 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
- 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
- 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
- 24:29 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.
- 24:30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
- 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
- 24:32 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?
- 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
- 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
- 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 24:1–24:53): The women, the apostles, two travelers going to Emmaus, and the gathered disciples receive evidence and appearances of the risen Jesus in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The road to Emmaus. Read Luke 24:13 through Luke 24:35 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus interprets the Scriptures concerning His suffering and glory, and the two disciples return with their testimony. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13 to Luke 24:35). Start reading at Luke 24:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 24:13, Luke 24:35, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 24
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusScripture and recognition
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets the Scriptures concerning His suffering and glory, and the two disciples return with their testimony.
interpretation The gathered disciples commissioned
Luke 24:36–53FocusUnderstanding and promised power
Connection to the wholeJesus confirms His resurrection, opens the disciples' understanding, and commissions witness while directing them to await power from on high.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.