24:1 the first day of the week Refers to Sunday, the day after the Sabbath. First-century Jews understood the calendar day to begin at sunset. In accordance with Jesus’ predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34), He remained buried for parts of three calendar days: the end of Friday, the entirety of Saturday (the Sabbath), and roughly the first half of Sunday (from sunset to sunrise).

they came back to the tomb The women from Galilee return to anoint the body of Jesus (see Luke 23:55–56).

24:2 the stone had been rolled away All four Gospels include this detail (Matt 28:2; Mark 16:3–4; John 20:1).

24:4 two men in gleaming clothing Luke’s description of the clothing implies that these men were heavenly beings (compare Luke 24:23).

24:7 and on the third day rise See 9:22; 18:32–33; compare note on v. 1.

24:9 to the eleven No longer the Twelve, due to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Luke records Judas’ death in Acts 1:18–19 (compare Matt 27:3–5). Judas is later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:21–26).

24:11 they refused to believe them In the Graeco-Roman world of the first century, the testimony of women was considered unreliable and could not be used to settle legal disputes. For this reason, the mention of women being the first eyewitnesses of the empty tomb suggests that Luke is faithfully reporting the early church’s recollection of this event. It also shows the vital role of women in Jesus’ ministry.

24:12 Peter got up and ran to the tomb Compare John 20:3–10.

24:13 two of them Two previously unnamed followers of Jesus—one of which is named in Luke 24:18 as Cleopas (not any of the 11 remaining apostles).

24:14 all these things that had happened Refers to the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

24:16 their eyes were prevented from recognizing him As far as the men could tell, He was just another traveler.

24:18 Cleopas Probably a different person from Clopas, mentioned in John 19:25.

24:21 the one who was going to redeem Israel See Luke 2:25 and note; 4:21 and note.

24:22 at the tomb early in the morning The two men recount the events of vv. 1–12.

24:24 him they did not see In light of their sadness (v. 17), these followers clearly did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. The empty tomb and the report of the angels’ announcement were not enough to convince them.

24:25 all that the prophets have spoken Jesus explains that the ot prophets foretold of the Messiah’s death. He implies that Cleopas and his companion should have been aware of this and believed.

24:27 beginning from Moses Refers to the Law (or Pentateuch)—the first five books of the ot, which traditionally are ascribed to Moses.

The Formation of the Old Testament

all the prophets This refers to a specific collection of Hebrew Scriptures and is likely synonymous with the section called the Prophets in Hebrew Bibles. This section includes the ot books of Joshua through 2 Kings (except Ruth) and Isaiah through Malachi (except Lamentations and Daniel).

all the Scriptures It is unclear precisely which ot books this entailed.

24:30 gave thanks Jesus’ words and actions here might be intended as an allusion to the Last Supper (compare 22:19). The same language is used at the feeding of the 5,000 (9:16).

24:32 Were not our hearts burning Reflects their excitement and renewed hope as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them.

24:33 that same hour and returned to Jerusalem They walk seven miles back to Jerusalem despite the dangers of traveling at night.

24:34 has appeared to Simon When Cleopas and his companion arrive in Jerusalem, their experience is confirmed: The risen Jesus has also appeared to Simon Peter (although Luke does not describe this event).

Resurrection Appearances of Jesus Table

24:35 recognized by them in the breaking of the bread This may be a subtle reference to the post-Easter institution of the Lord’s Supper (see v. 30 and note). Luke could be affirming that the Christian community knows Jesus by remembering Him via the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (see 22:19).

24:39 Look at My hands and my feet Jesus appeals to His crucifixion wounds as evidence of His humanity in resurrected form.

24:43 and ate it in front of them Additional proof that Jesus is not merely a spirit, but is alive in full human form.

24:45 opened their minds to understand the scriptures A supernatural enablement to comprehend the significance of Jesus’ statement in Luke 24:46–47 (compare v. 31 and note).

Jesus’ Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy Table

24:47 beginning from Jerusalem In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke reports that the ministry of Jesus’ followers begins in Jerusalem (see Acts 1:12).

24:48 witnesses Luke’s account of the Great Commission emphasizes that the disciples will act as Jesus’ witnesses. This commission is repeated in Acts 1:8.

24:49 what was promised by my Father A reference to the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:4, 8; 2:1–21; compare Joel 2:28–32; John 14:26).

24:51 taken up into heaven Jesus’ ascension to heaven foreshadows His return (Acts 1:9–11).

24:52 returned to Jerusalem The disciples obey Jesus’ command in Luke 24:49.

with great joy The disciples’ doubt, fear, and sadness (compare vv. 11, 17, 37) is replaced with joy after seeing the risen Jesus.