Luke 24 Summary The ResurrectionVerses 1–12 – The Empty Tomb Discovered Verses 13–35 – On the Road to Emmaus Verses 36–49 – The Risen Lord Appears to His Disciples Verses 50–53 – The Ascension Luke 24 is a triumphant conclusion to the Gospel of Luke, presenting the seminal events following Jesus' crucifixion: His resurrection, appearances to the disciples, journey with the two disciples to Emmaus, and His ascension. As the narrative unfolds, it showcases the reality of the resurrection and the transformation of the disciples as they witness Jesus' victory over death. Historical Setting • Time: Sunday after Passover, spring A.D. 30/33. • Place: Jerusalem, the tomb (likely in a garden near Golgotha), the road to Emmaus (probable village identification Khirbet al-Qubeiba), the upper room, and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. • Political backdrop: Roman occupation; Jewish leaders have just engineered Jesus’ crucifixion; pilgrims are still in Jerusalem for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Resurrection and Jewish Expectation Most first-century Jews (Pharisees) expected a bodily resurrection “at the last day” (Daniel 12:2; John 11:24). Sadducees denied it (Acts 23:8). Jesus’ rising “on the third day” brings the end-time hope into the present and authenticates His claim to be Messiah and Lord (Romans 1:4). The Women as First Witnesses Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James (v 10). In a culture where female testimony carried less legal weight, God intentionally honors these faithful women. Gospel harmony: Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, John 20:1–18 all affirm the women’s primacy, underscoring authenticity (no first-century fiction writer invents weak legal witnesses). Angelic Message Compared Luke 24:5-7, Mark 16:6-7, Matthew 28:5-7 each stress the same core: 1. “He is risen.” 2. “Do not be afraid.” 3. “Remember what He told you.” Fulfillment: Luke 9:22, 18:31-33. Empty Tomb Archaeology Garden tombs were hewn into limestone with rolling disks (4-6 feet) sealing the entrance. The tomb described fits first-century Jerusalem burial practice. Several possible sites (Traditional Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb) lie just outside the ancient city walls, matching John 19:41 “near the place where He was crucified.” Emmaus Road and Scripture Fulfilled Jesus traces His mission through: • Genesis 3:15 – crushing the serpent. • Deuteronomy 18:15 – the Prophet like Moses. • Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol.” • Isaiah 53 – suffering Servant pierced for transgressions. • Zechariah 12:10 – mourning for the pierced one. The pattern—suffering before glory—reframes the disciples’ expectations of a conquering political Messiah. Physicality of the Resurrection Body Luke records touch and eating to defeat the “ghost” idea. Compare: • John 20:27 – Thomas invited to touch. • Acts 10:41 – “ate and drank with Him after He rose.” • 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – a glorified yet tangible body. Therefore believers anticipate a real, renewed body (Philippians 3:21). Commission to the Nations Verse 47 foreshadows Acts: • Luke 24:47 – repentance and forgiveness “to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” • Acts 1:8 – power to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” • Matthew 28:19 – “make disciples of all nations.” The gospel bursts ethnic boundaries, fulfilling Genesis 12:3—“all families of the earth will be blessed.” The Promise of the Father Jesus tells them, “Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (v 49). This links to: • Joel 2:28 – “I will pour out My Spirit on all people.” • Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost fulfillment. Holy Spirit power turns fearful followers into bold preachers (Acts 4:13). Ascension Geography and Archaeology Bethany lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles from Jerusalem (John 11:18). Tradition locates the Ascension at a small rotunda (the Chapel of the Ascension) near the summit. The site aligns with Acts 1:12 “a Sabbath day’s journey away.” The Mount of Olives also hosts prophetic events: • Ezekiel 11:23 – glory departs to the mount east of the city. • Zechariah 14:4 – the mountain splits at Messiah’s return. Thus Jesus departs from and will return to the same ridge. Harmony with Other Gospels • Matthew 28 details an earthquake, guards, and Galilee meeting. • Mark 16 parallels Luke but ends abruptly in earliest manuscripts at 16:8. • John 20–21 adds Mary’s personal meeting, Thomas’s doubt, and breakfast by the Sea of Galilee. Divergent angles confirm eyewitness origin; no writer felt forced to smooth every detail. Timeline of Resurrection Day 1. Women visit tomb at dawn (≈ 5:30 a.m.). 2. Peter and probably John sprint to tomb (John 20:3–10). 3. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:16). 4. Emmaus journey midday. 5. Evening appearance to the Ten (Thomas absent). 6. Over 40 days additional appearances culminate in Ascension (Acts 1:3). Key Themes for Disciples Today • Jesus keeps His word—every pledge from Galilee fulfilled. • Scripture is a unified account pointing to Christ; let Him be your lens. • Resurrection joy fuels worship and witness; the first disciples can’t keep silent, neither should we. • Waiting for power precedes bold action—linger in prayer, then go. Old Testament Echoes • The bread-breaking eyes-opening scene mirrors Genesis 3:6–7 (eyes opened to death) reversed in resurrection life. • Blessing with uplifted hands recalls Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:22-27); Jesus is the greater High Priest. Textual Notes • “Seven miles” (v 13) translates about 60 stadia; some early manuscripts read 160, yet archaeology favors 60. • “Flesh and bones” (v 39) differs from common “flesh and blood,” highlighting immortality. • Early copies show no major variations in the resurrection narrative, attesting to its stability. Connecting Luke and Acts Luke ends with worship in the temple; Acts begins there. Same author, seamless story: resurrection-ascension-Pentecost-mission. Takeaway Snapshot An empty tomb, opened Scriptures, warm bread, scarred hands, Spirit promise, lifted blessing, skyward departure—Luke 24 weaves them into a glorious finale that becomes the Church’s opening chapter.
The Resurrection 1On the first day of the week,a very early in the morning, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them. 5As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still in Galilee: 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’” 8Then they remembered His words. 9And when they returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11But their words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. And after bending down and seeing only the linen cloths, he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. The Road to Emmaus 13That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven milesb from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. 16But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. 17He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stood still, with sadness on their faces. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are You the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in recent days?” 19“What things?” He asked. “The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people. 20Our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and they crucified Him. 21But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place. 22Furthermore, some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23but they did not find His body. They came and told us they had seen a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had described. But Him they did not see.” 25Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. 28As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther. 29But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. 30While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” 33And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, gathered together 34and saying, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!” 35Then the two told what had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Jesus Appears to the Disciples 36While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 37But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. 38“Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish,c 43and He took it and ate it in front of them. 44Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and in His name repentance andd forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” The Ascension 50When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53praising God continually in the temple. Footnotes: 1 a Literally But on the first of the Sabbaths, 13 b Greek being sixty stadia in distance; that is, approximately 6.9 miles or 11.1 kilometers 42 c BYZ and TR include and some honeycomb. 47 d NA, NE, and WH repentance for Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection as a core tenet of the Gospel. Acts 1:8-11 The ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit empower believers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. John 20:19-29 Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to His disciples, including Thomas, reinforce the reality of His physical resurrection. Teaching Points The Empty Tomb (Luke 24:1-12)The women who visited the tomb found it empty, and two angels proclaimed, He is not here; He has risen! (Luke 24:6). This pivotal moment confirms the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His resurrection. The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, but they do not recognize Him until He breaks bread with them. This encounter emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight and the breaking of bread as a means of revelation. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-49) Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace and proving His physical resurrection by showing His wounds and eating with them. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, highlighting the necessity of His suffering and resurrection. The Ascension (Luke 24:50-53) Jesus leads His disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven. This event marks the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples' mission to spread the Gospel. Practical Applications Embrace the ResurrectionJust as the women and disciples were transformed by the news of the resurrection, we too should let the reality of the risen Christ transform our lives and fill us with hope. Seek Spiritual Insight Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we should seek to recognize Jesus in our daily lives, especially through Scripture and communion. Be Witnesses Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses of His resurrection. We are called to share the Gospel and the hope of the resurrection with others. Live with Expectation The ascension reminds us that Jesus will return. We should live with the expectation of His return, remaining faithful and diligent in our walk with Him. People 1. JesusThe central figure of Luke 24, Jesus is the resurrected Messiah who appears to His disciples and others. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. The Women at the Tomb These include Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others. They are the first to discover the empty tomb and report it to the apostles. The Greek text refers to them as "γυναῖκες" (gynaikes), meaning "women." 3. Mary Magdalene Specifically named among the women who visit the tomb. Her name in Greek is "Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή" (Maria hē Magdalēnē), indicating she is from Magdala. 4. Joanna Another woman who visits the tomb. Her name in Greek is "Ἰωάννα" (Iōanna), which is a form of the Hebrew name "Yohanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." 5. Mary the Mother of James Also among the women at the tomb. Her name in Greek is "Μαρία" (Maria), and she is identified as the mother of James. 6. Peter One of the apostles who runs to the tomb after hearing the women's report. His name in Greek is "Πέτρος" (Petros), meaning "rock." 7. The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus One is named Cleopas, and the other is unnamed. They encounter the risen Jesus on their journey. "Κλεόπας" (Kleopas) is the Greek form of a name possibly derived from "Cleopatros," meaning "glory of the father." 8. Cleopas Specifically named as one of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. His interaction with Jesus is a key part of the narrative. 9. The Eleven Apostles Refers to the remaining apostles after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death. The Greek term "ἕνδεκα" (hendeka) means "eleven." 10. The Disciples with the Apostles Other followers of Jesus who are present with the apostles when Jesus appears to them. The Greek term "μαθηταί" (mathētai) means "disciples" or "learners." Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the central location in Luke 24, where the events of the resurrection and appearances of Jesus take place. It is where the women find the empty tomb and where Jesus later appears to His disciples. The Greek term for Jerusalem is "Ἰερουσαλήμ" (Ierousalēm). 2. Emmaus Emmaus is the village to which two of Jesus' followers are traveling when they encounter the risen Christ. The exact location of Emmaus is debated, but it is described as being about seven miles from Jerusalem. The Greek term used is "Ἐμμαοῦς" (Emmaous). 3. Bethany Bethany is mentioned at the end of Luke 24 as the place near which Jesus ascends into heaven. It is located on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. The Greek term is "Βηθανία" (Bēthania). Events 1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-3)On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 2. The Angels' Message (Luke 24:4-8) While the women were perplexed about this, two men in dazzling apparel stood beside them. The angels reminded them of Jesus' words that He must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day rise again. The women remembered His words. 3. The Women Report to the Apostles (Luke 24:9-11) The women returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. However, their words seemed like nonsense to the apostles, and they did not believe them. 4. Peter's Visit to the Tomb (Luke 24:12) Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping down, he saw only the linen cloths. He went away, wondering to himself what had happened. 5. The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27) Two of Jesus' followers were traveling to a village called Emmaus. Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him. He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets. 6. The Breaking of Bread (Luke 24:28-32) As they approached the village, they urged Him to stay with them. When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight. 7. The Return to Jerusalem (Luke 24:33-35) The two returned to Jerusalem and found the Eleven and those with them, who said, "The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon!" The two recounted what had happened on the road and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread. 8. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-43) While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a spirit. He showed them His hands and feet and ate a piece of broiled fish to prove He was not a spirit. 9. Jesus Explains the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-49) Jesus told them that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and told them that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 10. The Ascension (Luke 24:50-53) Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, lifted up His hands, and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. They worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God in the temple. Lessons from Luke 24 1. The Power of the Resurrection 2. The Importance of Scripture 3. Recognizing Jesus in Our Daily Lives 4. The Call to Witness 5. The Role of the Holy Spirit 6. The Joy of Belief 7. The Fulfillment of Prophecy 8. The Necessity of Repentance 9. The Peace of Christ 10. The Promise of His Return Topics 1. The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-12)This section describes the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who had come to anoint Jesus' body. The angelic message, "He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24:6), emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His resurrection. The Greek term "anastasis" (ἀνάστασις) is used for "resurrection," signifying a rising up or standing again, which is central to Christian faith. 2. The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) Two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on their way to Emmaus, though they do not recognize Him initially. Jesus explains the Scriptures concerning Himself, highlighting the necessity of His suffering and glory. The Greek word "dianoigo" (διανοίγω), meaning "to open," is used when Jesus opens their eyes and the Scriptures to them, indicating a divine revelation and understanding. 3. Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36-43) Jesus appears to His disciples, offering them peace and proving His physical resurrection by showing His wounds and eating with them. The term "eirēnē" (εἰρήνη), meaning "peace," is significant as it conveys the restoration and reconciliation brought by Christ's victory over death. 4. Jesus Explains the Scriptures (Luke 24:44-49) Jesus explains how the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection. He commissions the disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness in His name. The Greek word "metanoia" (μετάνοια), translated as "repentance," implies a transformative change of heart and mind. 5. The Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50-53) Jesus leads His disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God. The Greek term "anapherō" (ἀναφέρω), meaning "to carry up," is used for Jesus' ascension, signifying His exaltation and return to the Father. Themes 1. The Resurrection of JesusThe chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by the women who had come to anoint Jesus' body. The angelic message, "He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24:6), emphasizes the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His resurrection. The Greek word for "risen" (ἀνέστη) underscores the miraculous nature of this event, affirming Jesus' victory over death. 2. Fulfillment of Scripture Jesus' resurrection is presented as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In Luke 24:27, Jesus explains to the disciples on the road to Emmaus "what was written about Himself in all the Scriptures." This theme highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, with the Greek term γραφαί (graphai) referring to the sacred writings. 3. The Revelation of Jesus The theme of revelation is evident when Jesus is recognized by the disciples in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30-31). The Greek verb ἐπεγνώσθη (epegnōsthē) indicates a deeper, spiritual recognition, suggesting that understanding Jesus' identity requires divine revelation. 4. The Commissioning of the Disciples Jesus commissions His disciples to be witnesses of His resurrection and to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name (Luke 24:47-48). The Greek word for "witnesses" (μάρτυρες) implies a call to testify to the truth of the Gospel, even at personal cost. 5. The Ascension of Jesus The chapter concludes with Jesus' ascension into heaven (Luke 24:51). This event signifies His exaltation and the completion of His earthly ministry. The Greek term ἀνεφέρετο (anephereto) conveys the idea of being carried up, indicating Jesus' return to the Father and His ongoing intercessory role. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for the Resurrection Thank God for the victory over sin and death through Jesus' resurrection. Spiritual Insight Boldness in Witnessing Faithfulness in Expectation Answering Tough Questions 1. Luke 24:1–12: How can a physically resurrected body be reconciled with modern scientific understanding of death and decay? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the reality of the resurrection challenge your understanding of life and death? 2. In what ways do the reactions of the women and the disciples to the empty tomb reflect different responses to the message of the resurrection? 3. How does the Emmaus Road encounter enhance your understanding of Scripture? 4. What does Jesus' appearance to the disciples reveal about the nature of His resurrection? 5. How does Jesus' ascension influence your understanding of His mission and His ongoing role? 6. How does the disciples' joy and worship at the end of the chapter inspire your own worship and service? 7. How does the resurrection story affect your faith and hope in the face of trials and suffering? 8. What lessons can you learn from the disciples' initial failure to recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus? 9. How does Jesus' command to wait for the Holy Spirit inform your understanding of Christian mission and empowerment? 10. How does the resurrection shape your perspective on the promises of God? 11. How do you reconcile the disciples' initial doubt with their later conviction and joy? 12. What can we learn from Jesus' method of teaching the two disciples on the Emmaus road? 13. How does the ascension story affect your understanding of Jesus' current intercessory role? 14. In what ways does Jesus' handling of the disciples' fear and doubt offer comfort and reassurance to us today? 15. How can we apply the lessons from the disciples' transformation in this chapter to our own spiritual growth? 16. How does the resurrection narrative influence your view on life after death? 17. How does the disciples' worship in the temple inspire your personal and corporate worship practices? 18. How can you incorporate the disciples' joy and anticipation following Jesus' ascension into your daily life? 19. How does the resurrection provide hope and meaning in a world that often seems filled with suffering and injustice? 20. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and experience of the power of the resurrection in your personal life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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