Cleopas is a significant figure in the New Testament, known primarily for his encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus. This event is detailed in the Gospel of Luke and provides insight into the early post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, as well as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical Account

The primary account of Cleopas is found in Luke 24:13-35. Cleopas, along with another unnamed disciple, was traveling from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus on the day of Jesus' resurrection. As they walked, they discussed the recent events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and the reports of His resurrection. Luke 24:15-16 states, "As they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him."

During the journey, Jesus engaged them in conversation, asking about their discussions. Cleopas expressed surprise that the stranger seemed unaware of the recent events in Jerusalem, describing Jesus as "a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19). Cleopas recounted the crucifixion and the hope that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel, as well as the perplexing news from the women who visited the tomb and found it empty.

Jesus responded by explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets. Luke 24:27 notes, "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself."

Upon reaching Emmaus, Cleopas and his companion urged Jesus to stay with them. During the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him, but He disappeared from their sight (Luke 24:30-31).

Significance

Cleopas' encounter with Jesus is significant for several reasons. It highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the necessity of the Messiah's suffering and glory. Jesus' explanation of the Scriptures to Cleopas and his companion underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan.

The account also emphasizes the transformative power of recognizing Jesus. Cleopas and the other disciple, upon realizing they had been with the risen Lord, immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the news with the eleven apostles and others gathered there. This reflects the urgency and joy of the resurrection message, as well as the role of personal testimony in the spread of the Gospel.

Identity and Tradition

The identity of Cleopas has been a subject of discussion among scholars and theologians. Some traditions suggest that Cleopas may be the same person as Clopas, mentioned in John 19:25 as the husband of one of the Marys present at the crucifixion. However, this identification is not universally accepted, and the name Cleopas itself is a common Hellenistic name, which complicates definitive identification.

Regardless of his precise identity, Cleopas remains an important witness to the resurrection, representing the early disciples' journey from confusion and despair to understanding and proclamation of the risen Christ. His account is a testament to the transformative encounter with Jesus and the fulfillment of God's promises through the Scriptures.Luke 24:18
And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said to him, Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
Nave's Topical Index

On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ...
... Luke in the Companion of Cleopas; and that of St ... had spread in the early Church,
that Disciple whom Jesus loved was ... 6300] and that He afterwards appeared to the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii on the third.htm

Friday --The Day of Suffering.
... his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary ... his mother, and the disciple
standing by whom he loved ... And from that hour the disciple took her unto his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/fridaythe day of suffering.htm

The Evening of Easter.
... heads and sad hearts, for Jesus, the One whom they had ... Cleopas also told the story
of the women who had come ... and as He handed it to each disciple their eyes ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xlv the evening of.htm

Internal Evidence Demonstrated to be the Very Reverse of ...
... so to say, of what he and the other Disciple' had many ... 3) How the men were engaged
to whom she brought ... only did not believe her story, but when Cleopas and his ...
/.../chapter ix internal evidence demonstrated.htm

Internal Evidence Demonstrated to be the Very Reverse of ...
... GREEK SMALL LETTER NU}."The beloved Disciple having mentioned ... reservation of the
clause "out of whom He had ... and again when he describes how Cleopas and his ...
/.../chapter ix internal evidence demonstrated.htm

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