Bible Commentaries
Luke 24

Verse 1

THE RESURRECTION NEWS ABOUT JESUS V. 1-12

1)"Now upon the first day of the week," (te de mia ton sabbaton) "Then the -first of the week," of the sabbath, of the seven days of the feast, Mark 16:11; John 20:1. It was the first Lord’s Day of the New Covenant age.

2) "Very early in the morning," (Orthou batheos) "While it was still very early," at early dawn or "dead-dawn," Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, before sunrise.

3) "They came unto the sepulchre," (epi to mnema elthon) "The came upon the tomb location," the women who had followed Him and ministered to Him, from Galilee, Luke 23:55-56; Mark 15:40-41.

4) "Bringing the spices," (pherousai aromata) "Carrying spices," the sweet spices and ointments they had prepared for His embalming, which never occurred, Luke 23:55; Mark 16:1.

5) "Which they had prepared, and certain others with them." (ha hetoimasen) "Which they had already prepared," after having seen where He had been laid, Mark 15:47; Mark 16:1; Matthew 27:61.

Verse 2

1) "And they found the stone," (heuron de ton eithon) "Then they found the stone," before the entrance, removed from where it had been placed to seal the entrance, Matthew 27:60. They had discussed which of them could roll the stone away from the tomb, Mark 16:2-3.

2) "Rolled away from the sepulchre," (apokekulismenon apo tou mnemeiou) "Having been rolled away from the tomb entrance," and the angel of the Lord sat upon the stone, without the entrance to the tomb, Matthew 28:2; Mark 16:4; John 20:11; John 11:38-39, The difficulty they had expected had been removed, Mark 16:3.

Verse 3

1) "And they entered In," (eiselthousai de) "Then when they entered," the preparation room of the sepulchre, Mark 16:5. They did not go into the sepulchre proper but into the outer preparation room, where bodies were prepared for burial, out of the heat and elements, before being buried in the sepulchre proper.

2) "And found not the body of the Lord Jesus." (ouch heuron to soma tou kuriou lesou) "They did not find the body of the Lord, Jesus," Luke 24:23, at which point the angel of the Lord (described as a young man by Mark) explained to them that Jesus had risen, Mark 16:3-8. The empty tomb was better than the filled one, for it was evidence of the resurrection.

Verse 4

1) "And it came to pass," (kai egeneto) "And it occurred," came to be, at this time.

2) "As they were much perplexed thereabout," (en to aporeisthai autas peri toutou) "As they were perplexed about this matter," were very much afraid, Matthew 28:5-8; Not knowing what it all meant, considering it as the enemy’s work

3) "Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:" (kai idou andres duo epestesan autais en estheti astraptouse) "Behold two men stood by them in shining clothing," Matthew 20:12; dazzling garments; Mark observes that "a young man" sat on the right; Evidently the two were angelic messengers, who visibly appeared as men, Mark 16:5-8.

Verse 5

1) "And as they were afraid," (emphobon de genomenon auton) "Then they became terrified," Mary Magdalene and the women with her, Matthew 28:5; Mark 16:6.

2) "And bowed down their faces to the earth," (kai klinouson ta prosopa eis ten gen) "And as they bent their faces to the ground," in reverence and fear,

3) "They said unto them," (eipan pros autas) "They (the two men) said directly to them," the two Divinely sent messengers appearing as men, the younger of which, sitting on the right side of the sepulchre entrance, did the speaking, Mark 16:5-6.

4) "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" (ti zeteite ton zonta meta ton nekron) "Why are you all seeking the living one (Jesus) among the dead ones?" Among dead corpses or bodies. For the Father hath given Him to have life in Himself, and God raised Him u p, John 5:26; John 10:18; Revelation 1:18.

Verse 6

1)"He is not here, but is risen:" (ouk estin hode alla egerthe) "He is (exists) not here (in this place) but he was raised,"

2) "Remember how he spake unto you," (mnesthete hos elalesen humin) "You all remember how he spoke to you," you women who have ministered to Him of your substance, Luke 8:2; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 23:55. Trouble follows forgetfulness of God’s Word.

3) "When he was yet in Galilee," (eti hon en te Galilaia) "While you all were still in Galilee," before you ever left Galilee, to come down here into Judea, Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23.

Verse 7

1)"Saying, the Son of man must be delivered," (legon ton heuion tou anthropou hoti dei paradothenai) "Saying that the Son of man must be delivered, betrayed, or given over," Matthew 17:22; Mark 9:31. Do you not remember, John 14:26.

2) "Into the hands of sinful men," (eis cheiras anthropon hamartolon) "Into the hands of lawless men," the Gentiles, Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; Luke 18:32.

3) "And be crucified" (kai staurothenai) "And he was to be crucified," Mark 8:31; Mark 9:31; Luke 9:22.

4) "And the third day rise again." (kai te trite hemera anastenai) "And on ’the third day (he was) to rise again, Luke 9:32. This is a fulfilled prophecy that He had Himself made of His own resurrection, certified by angelic witnesses, and His most devout disciples, assuring our resurrection, Acts 2:25-32; Job 19:25; 1 Corinthians 15:52.

Verse 8

1)"And they remembered," (kai emnesthes on) "And they remembered," or recalled, what He had repeatedly told should befall Him, upon the angel’s reminding them, Luke 24:32; Luke 24:45.

2) "His words," (ton hrematon autou) "His extended and explicit words," His precise words, Luke 18:31-34; Matthew 17:22-23. And they at once realized the meaning of the emptiness of the tomb.

Verse 9

1)"And returned from the sepulchre," (kai hupostrepsasai apo tou mnemeiou) "And they upon returning from the tomb," the women who had come early to the tomb that first Lord’s day, led by Mary Magdalene, a former demon possessed, deranged person whom Jesus had healed, who had followed Him thereafter, ministering to Him of her substance, Mark 16:9-10; John 20:1; Matthew 28:1.

2) "And told all these things," (apengeilan tauta panta) "Reported all these things," Matthew 28:7-8; Mark 16:10; Mark 16:10.

3) "Unto the eleven, and to all the rest." (tois endeka kai pasin tois loipois) "To the eleven and to all the rest," of the disciples, of their own church fellowship, Matthew 28:9-10; Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:7-11; John 20:18; Inclusive of the other women who came with them up from Galilee, Luke 8:2-3; Luke 22:49; Luke 22:55.

Verse 10

1) "It was Mary Magdalene," (esan de he Magdalene Maria) "Now they (the women) were Mary Magdalene," of Magdala who had been delivered from the possession of seven demons, Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; She was the first directed to go and tell His disciples, Matthew 28:1-8.

2) "And Joanna, and Mary the mother of James," (kai loanna kai Maria he Iakobou) "And Joanna, and Mary (the mother) of James," Luke 8:3; Mark 15:41.

3) "And other women that were with them," (kai hai loipai sun autois) "And the rest of the women in colleague with them," in fellowship and preparation of the anointing spices, Mark 15:41; Matthew 27:55-56.

4) "Which told these things unto the apostles." (elegon pros tous apostolous taute) "Who told or related these things directly to the eleven apostles," as they found them.

Verse 11

1)"And their words seemed to them," (kai epanesan enopion auton) "And these reports seemed or appeared before them, before the apostles," dumbfounded that women should bring such reports of communion with angelic beings.

2) "As idle tales," (hosei leros ta hramata tauta) "These specific reports as words of folly," wild tales, or idle tales, as idle talk; Mark 16:11 reports, "And they - believed not,"

3) "And they believed them not." (kai epistoun autais) "And they disbelieved or doubted them," to be true, to be actually telling the truth, nor did they believe the words of the Emmaus road disciples, when they told it to the eleven, Mark 16:12-14. The reports seemed as nonsensical talk to the disciples.

Verse 12

1)"Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre;" (ho de Petros anastas edramen epi to mnemeion) "Then Peter stood up and ran until he came upon the place where the sepulchre was," with the apostle John who outran him, John 20:3-4. They ran in wonder, in haste, and in hope.

2) "And stooping down," (kai parakupsas) "And he stooped down," to look thru a small window, into the sepulchre proper, making careful examination.

3) "And beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves," (blepei ta othonia keimena mona) "And he saw the linen clothes laid alone," by themselves, John 20:5-8. They were laid in order, no hurry, and the napkin was folded, John 20:7. Thieves do not take such care to arrange things left behind.

4) "And departed," (kai apelthe) "And he went off and away," from the place, to his own residence or temporary home in Jerusalem, John 20:9-10.

5) "Wondering in himself at that which was come to pass." (pros heauton thaumazon to gegonos) "Marveling to himself at what had occurred," for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that He must rise again, John 20:10.

Verse 13

JESUS MINISTERS TO EMMAUS ROAD DISCIPLES V. 13-35

1)"And, behold, two of them," (kai dou due eks auton) "And behold two out of them," of the disciples, of the company of church members, but not apostles, Luke 24:22-23. One was named Cleopas, Luke 24:18.

2) "Went that same day," (en aute te hemera esan poreuomenoi) "On the same day were journeying," on the first day of the resurrection, in the afternoon, Luke 24:29.

3) "To a village called Emmaus," (eis komen he onoma Emmaous) "To a village which is called Emmaus." The two are also mentioned Mark 16:12-13 as walking, going into the country from Jerusalem; Only Luke recounts this story or resurrection appearance event.

4) "Which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs." (apechousan stadious keksekonta apo lerousalem) "Which was a distance of about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem," (a furlong is 582 feet) a distance of about 6 miles, which they walked after the resurrection report had come to them that first Sunday morning; the latter part of which, as they went to Emmaus, Jesus walked with them, Luke 24:15-16.

Verse 14

1)"And they talked together," (kai autoi homiloun pros allelous) "And they talked directly to each other," in an extended dialogue, or communed with each other, Luke 24:17.

2) "Of all these things which had happened." (per! panton ton sumbebekoton touton) "Concerning all these things that were having occurred," the betrayal, crucifixion, the resurrection, and the whole Passover occasion, Luke 24:17-24. What filled their heart also filled their mouth, Malachi 3:16.

Verse 15

1)"And it came to pass," (kai egeneto) "And it happened,"

2)"That, while they communed together and reasoned," (en to homilein autous kai suzetein) "As they talked and discussed," the matters revolving around their Lord and their church company of disciples and apostles, Luke 24:22. They compared thoughts and feelings of each other about the recent events.

3) "Jesus himself drew near," (kai autos lesous engisas) "Jesus himself drew near to them," or appeared along the way and joined them. He is never far from His sad saints, 1 Corinthians 10:31; Hebrews 13:5.

4) "And went with them." (suneporeueto autois) "And went along in colleague with them," as a friend, a pilgrim, or companion. He comes to His own in special acts of providence, to help in times of need, Psalms 23:1-4; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5. Can He join us, go with us where we go today?

Verse 16

1)"But their eyes were holden," (hoi de ophthalmoi auton ekratouta tou) "Then their eyes were held, restrained, or dimmed, blurred, John 20:14; John 21:4; 2 Kings 6:18; 2 Kings 6:20; Mark 16:12.

2) "That they should not know him." (me epigonai auton) "So that they were not able to recognize him," as Jesus, the Son of God, their Lord or Master. Even as the fishing disciples did not know Him on a later occasion, at first, John 21:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18. A certain change in His physical appearance had also occurred so that He was not instantly recognized, again, Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:12; John 20:14, says he appeared In "another form." In this instance, it could have been supernatural grief, on their part.

Verse 17

1)"And he said unto them," (eipen de pros autous) "Then he said directly and personally to them," to the two conversing disciples, Luke 24:13-14; Mark 16:12.

2)"What manner of communications are these," (tines hoi logoi houtoi) "Just what do you mean by these words," this conversation, in which they were so intensely engaged, Luke 24:14-15.

3) "That ye have one to another," (hous antiballete pros allelous) "Which you all exchange directly with each other," in agreement that some supernatural event had taken place, but they had not realized just what had happened, Luke 24:21

4) "As ye walk and are sad?" (peripatountes kai estathesan skuthropoi) "While you are walking? And they stood (stopped and stood) sad-faced," despondent in their countenance, with faces of disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty. He still cares for the sad, and the perplexed, Luke 24:21; Hebrews 4:15-16.

Verse 18

1)"And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas," (eis onomati Cleopas) "One (of them) whose name was Cleopas," different from the Cleophas, husband of the Mary mentioned John 19:25.

2) "Answering said unto him," (apokritheis de eipen pros auton) "Then replying said, inquired, directly to him," or of him.

3) "Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem," (su monos paroikeis lerousalem) "And you only a stranger in Jerusalem," or are you sojourning alone in the Jerusalem area? or just arrived in this area?

4) "And hast not known the things which are come to pass," (kai ouk egnos ta genomena) "And do not know the things happening," or occurring there; Cleopas assumes that this person joining them had come up to Jerusalem for the Passover and is in wonder that he hasn’t heard about the matter of the betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. For it was the "talk of the town."

5) "There in these days?"" (en aute en tais hemerais tautais) "In it in these (recent) days?" the past four or five days, since the triumphal entry especially, Luke 19:28-40.

Verse 19

1)"And he said unto them, what things?" (kai eipen autois poia) "and he replied to them, what things?" Just tell me about them. It was not that He needed to be told but that they needed to unload their burdens, their heavy hearts. Jesus encourages confidence, that He may better comfort and instruct those who are sad, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

2) "And they said unto him," (hoi de eipen auto) "And they responded to him," to give a witness of Jesus, and their faith and hope in Him, which had wavered, needed strengthening.

3) "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth," (ta per lesou tou Nazarenou) "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene.

4) "Which was a prophet mighty in deed and word," (hos egeneto aner propetes dunatos en ergon kai logon) "Who became a man, a prophet, dynamic in word and work, " Acts 7:22. That one foretold by Moses, Deuteronomy 18:15-18; confirmed by Peter at Pentecost, Acts 3:22-23; Acts 2:22; Acts 7:22. They confessed what the enemy denied, Luke 7:16; John 3:2.

5) "Before God and all the people." (enention tou theou kai pantos tou laou) "Openly before both God and all the people," Luke 9:19; Acts 2:23.

Verse 20

. 1)"And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him," (hopos te paredokan auton ho archiereis kai hoi archontes hemon) "How both the administrative priests and our rulers delivered him," gave Him over. The "our rulers" indicates that these two disciples of the Lord’s church company were Jews, Luke 24:1; Luke 24:22.

2) "To be condemned to death, and have crucified him." (eis krima thanatou kai estaurosan auton) "To the judgment of death and they crucified him," Luke 23:11; Acts 13:27-28. These Emmaus disciples emphasized that their Jewish rulers used Pilate as a tool to crucify the Lord, Luke 23:1; Acts 13:27-28.

Verse 21

Comments-

1)"But we trusted," (hemeis de elpizomen) "Then we were hoping," believing, or trusting.

2) "That it had been he," (hoti autos estin ho) "That he was (existed as) the one," the promised one, Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15-18.

3) "Which should have redeemed Israel:" (mellon lutrousthai ton Israel) "Who was about to have redeemed Israel," in the way they expected, that He was that prophet, that Messiah, Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:1-12; Micah 5:2; Luke 1:68; Acts 1:6.

4) "And beside all this," (alla ge kai sun pasin toutois) "But indeed, also in sympathy with all these things," or closely associated with all these things that have happened.

5) "Today is the third day since these things were done." (triten tauten hemeran agei aph’ hou tauta egeneto) "This is the third day away from the time all these things happened," or occurred, the things that He did and what they did to Him, until His crucifixion and burial, Matthew 27:63. Our Lord had repeatedly told that it would be this way, yet they did not understand, Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:23; Matthew 20:19; Matthew 26:61; Mark 8:31; Mark 10:34; John 2:19.

Verse 22

1) "Yea, and certain women also," (alla kai gunaikes tines) "But also some very special women," certain ones also, Luke 24:9-10; Matthew 28:8; Mark 16:10; John 20:18, Mary Magdalene was the first, Luke 24:9-11.

2) "Of our company made us astonished," (eks hemon eksetesan hemas) "out of our own company of His disciples astonished us," Peter and John first, then the rest of us of His company, that He had led from Galilee, were amazed, Mark 15:40-41.

3) "Which were early at the sepulchre;" (genomenai orthrinai epi to mnemeion) "Being come early at, upon the sepulchre," the, place of, the tomb, very early, before sunrise today, Mark 16-2; John 20:1. The women left their homes while it was still dark and arrived at the tomb at sunrise.

Verse 23

1) "And when they found not his body," (kai me heurousai to soma autou) "And when they did not find his body," where it had been placed in the tomb, for it had been risen, Romans 8:11; Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6; John 20:2.

2) "They came saying," (eithon legousai) "They came saying," reporting to us, the company of disciples, as the angel had told them to do.

3) "That they had also seen a vision of angels," (kai optasian angelon heorakenai) ", That they had also seen a vision of angels," Matthew 28:5; Mark 16:6.

4)"Which said that he was alive." (hoi legousin auton zen) "Who say that he lives," or He is alive, Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6-7.

Verse 24

1) "And certain of them which were with us went," (kai alethon tines ton sun hemin) "And certain of them went away, or back with us, in close company with us," Peter and John in particular, though Luke mentions only Peter, Luke 24:12; Mark 16:7; John 20:2-3.

2) "To the sepulchre," (epi eo mnemeion) "Upon or to the tomb," the place of the sepulchre where Jesus had been buried, John 20:4.

3) "And found it even so as the women had said:" (kai heuron houtos kathos kai hai gunaikes eipon) "And they found it just precisely as the women had reported," and Peter went in first to examine the burial place from within, John 20:5-8.

4) "But him they saw not." (auton de ouk eidon) "Yet they did not see him," for he had risen and was not there any longer, Luke 24:8-10. Then they believed that He was gone, but still did not understand that He had actually been raised from, the dead, until He explained it to them, in the light of the Old Testament Scriptures, Luke 24:44-45.

Verse 25

1) "Then he said unto them," (kai autos eipen pros autos) "And he (Jesus) said directly to them," after indulging them for an extended time, after they had unburdened their hearts to Him.

2) "O fools, and slow of heart," (ho anoetoi kai bradeis te kardia tou) "O foolish ones and slow in heart," Hebrews 5:11-12, lacking both understanding of and faith in me and what I, the Law, the prophets, and the Psalms have prophesied of me, Luke 24:27; Luke 24:4; Luke 24:45; John 3:14; Exodus 4:15; Revelation 18:10; Revelation 22:19.

3) "To believe all that the prophets have spoken." (pisteuein epi pasin hois elalesan hoi prophetai) "To believe on or in all things which the prophets spoke," Acts 3:24; Acts 10:43.

Verse 26

1) "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things," (ouchi tauta edei pathein ton Christon) "Did it not behoove Christ to suffer these things," Luke 24:46, or was it not necessary, according to the prophets? Isaiah 53:1-12; Hebrews 2:9-10; 1 Peter 1:10-12. The sufferings Jesus endured were the appointed way that He should enter His glory, Acts 17:3; Hebrews 9:22-23; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:11.

2) "And to enter into his glory?" (kai eiselthein eis ten doksan auton) "And to enter or go directly into his glory," which He had before the world existed? John 14:2-3; John 17:1-5; Deuteronomy 30:3; Acts 1:9-11.

Verse 27

1) "And beginning at Moses," (kai arksamenos apo Mouseos) "And beginning from Moses," the law of Moses, He deduced, taught by orderly conclusion, in the light of the law the things they presented of Him, Genesis 3:16-17; Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17.

2) "And all the prophets," (kai apo panton ton propheton) "And from all the prophets," Luke 24:44, beginning with Moses who was, like Jesus, both a law­giver and a prophet, Deuteronomy 18:15-18; 2 Samuel 7:11-17; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:1-12; Micah 5:1.

3) "He expounded unto them in all the scriptures," (diermeneusen autois en pasais tais graphais) "He explained to them in all the scriptures," giving the meaning of the Scriptures concerning Himself, both those that taught directly of Him, and those types, shadows, and object lessons that testified of Him, 1 Corinthians 10:6; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Colossians 2:17.

4) "The things concerning himself." (ta peri heautou) "The prophetic matters concerning himself," Luke 24:45. For "the testimony of Jesus is (exists as) the spirit of prophecy," Revelation 19:10; Romans 1:3; Acts 3:22; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22.

Verse 28

1) "And they drew nigh unto the village," (kai engisan eis ten komen) "And they (walking on) came near to the village," the village of Emmaus, perhaps their home to which they were returning, Luke 24:13.

2) “Whither they went:"- (hou eporeunonto) "Where they were going," that is to their destination for the day, from which they had gone up to Jerusalem for the Passover.

3) "And he made as though he would have gone further." (kai autos prosepoiesato porroteron poreuesthai) "And he pretended to journey further," that he would go on further along the way, not being presumptuous to invite Himself into their home or impose on them, He gave them an opportunity to show charity by inviting a stranger into their home, to receive a blessing, bigger than what they shared with Him, Hebrews 13:1-2; Genesis 32:26.

Verse 29

1) "But they constrained him, saying," (kai parebiasanto auton legontes) "And they urged him, saying, repeatedly," still thinking that He was a stranger, in sincerity of heart having rejoiced in His teaching since He came to them along the way, Luke 24:32. See Genesis 18:1-8; Genesis 14:23; Hebrews 13:1-2.

2) "Abide with us:" (meinon meth’ hemon) "Remain or just stay with us," for the night. Whether or not this was their home, as this was their apparent destination, Luke 24:13, or they simply asked Him to stay with them in an apartment in an inn is not clear, but the lesson is that one is blessed by asking Jesus to be a guest for a meal wherever he resides, Luke 19:4-10.

3) "For it is toward evening," (hoti pros hesperan estin) "Because it is toward evening," near six o’clock p.m. when night approaches. They urged upon Him to stay because of the lateness of the hour.

4) "And the day is far spent." (kai kekliken ede he hemera) "And the day has already declined," simply gone, Genesis 32:26.

5) "And he went in to tarry with them." (kai eiselthen tou meinai sun autois) "And he went in to stay in close company with them," for the evening, for the meal, to bless them by revealing His identity to them, Luke 24:30-31.

Verse 30

1) "And it came to pass," (kai egeneto) "And it occurred," or happened.

2) "As he sat at meat with them," (en to kataklitenai auton met auton) "As he reclined at the evening meal with them," as He had often done with His company of disciples, both in homes and in the open air and fields, Luke 9:16; John 5:11.

3) "He took bread, and blessed it," (labon ton arton eulogpsen) "He, took the loaf, and he blessed it," or gave thanks, Luke 22:19; Proverbs 10:22; Mark 6:32-44. He assumed the position of host, which some believe indicates that they were at an inn rather than in the home or residence of the two disciples, Matthew 14:19.

4) "And brake, and gave to them." (kai klasas epedidou autois) "And when he had broken it, he handed it to them," or passed and gave it to them as a common meal, 1 Timothy 4:4-5; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

Verse 31

1) "And their eyes were opened," (auton de dienoichthesan hoi ophthalmoi) "Then their eyes were opened wide," or they became wide-eyed, at His words of prayer and perhaps they saw the nail scars in His hands, John 20:25.

2) "And they knew him;" (kai epegnosan auton) "And they (both) recognized him," Psalms 119:18. The "eyes of their understanding" were opened, Ephesians 1:18; 1 John 3:2.

3) "And he vanished out of their sight." (kai autos aphantos egeneto p’ auton) "And he became invisible from them," or vanished from their sight, suddenly disappeared, at the bat of an eye, as He came to them, Luke 24:15.

Verse 32

1) "And they said one to another," (kai eipan pros allelous) "And they said directly to each other," as they had talked along the way earlier that day, Luke 24:14; Luke 24:17; They reflected on what had happened since He came to them in the way, Jeremiah 20:9; Jeremiah 23:29; Psalms 14:2; John 7:46.

2) "Did not our heart burn within us," (ouchi he kardia hemon kaiomene en hemin) "Was not our heart burning in us," with joy. Their "sad hearts" had turned to "glad hearts", at the coming of Jesus, Luke 10:18-20.

3) "While he talked with us by the way," (hos elalei hemin en te hodo), "As he spoke to us in the way," communed with us and to us, of His revelation in the Scriptures, Luke 24:27; That all the prophets spoke of Him, Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Acts 10:43; Revelation 19:10.

4) "And while he opened to us the scriptures?" (hos dienoigen hemen tas graphas) "As he opened up to us (explained so clearly to us) the scriptures?" Which are a "light and lamp to ones path," and "true from the beginning," Psalms 119:105; Psalms 119:130; Psalms 119:160; Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44-45.

Verse 33

1) "And they rose up the same hour," (kai anastantes aute te hora) "And they rose up in the same hour," that is they simply got up and out at once, without delay, to go and share their joy with others who had sad hearts, 2 Kings 7:9-10; Psalms 107:2.

2) "And returned to Jerusalem," (hupestrepsan eis lerousalem) "And they went back into Jerusalem," where they had left other members of their company, the church, Luke 24:22.

3) "And found the eleven gathered together," (kai heuron ethroismenous tous endeka) "And they found the eleven apostles who had been gotten together," with the exception of Thomas, John 20:19. Assembled at the angelic news report carried first by Mary Magdalene, Mark 16:9-10.

4) "And them that were with them," (kai tous sun autois) "And those (some others) in colleague with them," who had come of the chosen and called church company of disciples to follow and witness for Jesus, John 15:16; John 15:26-27; as also certified Mark 16:14. After the death of Judas the term "the eleven" was often used to refer to the apostles, even when one was not present.

Verse 34

1) "Saying, The Lord is risen indeed," (legontas hoti ontos egerthe ho kurios) "Repeatedly affirming that the Lord was really raised up," from the dead; For the disciples as yet, still did not know, understand that He was really risen, John 20:9.

2) "And hath appeared to Simon." (kai pohthe Simoni) "And he has appeared to Simon," to Simon Peter, as also affirmed 1 Corinthians 15:5. It is likely that at this appearance Peter made his denial of the Lord right with the Lord. Only Luke and Paul tell of this post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, and no word is recorded of what happened between the two at the meeting.

Verse 35

1) "And they told what things were done in the way," (kai autoi eksegounto ta en te hodo) "And then they (the two Emmaus disciples) recounted the things in the way," how Jesus had suddenly come to them and explained at length from the law and the prophets all these things of Himself.

2) "And how he was known of them," (kai hos egnothe autois) "And how he came-to be known by them," when he had blessed the bread, Luke 24:16-30. They were witnessing of Him, "letting their light shine" as directed of the Lord, Matthew 5:15-16; Acts 1:8.

3) "In the breaking of the bread." (en te klaseis tou artou) "In the breaking of the bread," in their home or room as their early evening guest, Luke 24:31-32; Hebrews 13:1-2. The breaking of bread, sharing of bread, is a symbol of friend sharing with friend, John 15:13-17.

Verse 36

JESUS APPEARS TO THE APOSTLES, AND OTHERS V. 36-45

1) "And as they thus spake," (tauta de auton lalounton) "Then as they were saying (recounting) these things," to the eleven others, with Thomas not present, John 20:24-25 who had gathered with them, Luke 24:33; Mark 16:10.

2) "Jesus himself stood in the midst of them," (autos este en meso auton) "He stood up in their midst," Though "the door was shut," He appeared suddenly, personally, Mark 16:14; John 20:19.

3) "And said unto them, Peace be unto you." (kai legei autois eirene humin) "And he said to them, Let peace be to you all," to each and all of you. Let fear be removed far away and be at rest and peace, Romans 8:15; John 20:21; John 20:26; Matthew 11:28-30. This "peace be to you" was a common Jewish greeting, but had special significance now, John 14:27; Hebrews 2:14.

Verse 37

1) "But they were terrified and affrighted," (ptothentes de kai emphobi genomenoi) "Then they became scared and terrified," at His sudden appearance, for they knew Him to have been dead; They became afraid as they were when He came to them in the midst of a storm, walking upon the sea of Galilee, Mark 6:48-49; John 6:16-21.

2) "And supposed that they had seen a spirit." (ekokoun pneuma theorein) "Thought that they had seen a spirit," much as also described Matthew 14:25-27. For they believed that He had died, and also in the existence of angels and spirits, as followers of the Lord, even as the Pharisees did, though the Sadducees did not, Acts 23:6; Acts 23:8.

Verse 38

1) "And he said unto them" (kai eipen autois) "And he said to them," to all assembled there, to the apostles, the Emmaus disciples, and other of His disciples, Luke 24:33-35.

2) "Why are ye troubled?" (ti tetaragmenoi estai) "Just why are you all disturbed, troubled, or all shook up?" They did not comprehend His Divine resurrection manifestation to them, even as Zacharias did not, Luke 1:12. And Mary did not, Luke 1:29. He spoke to them comforting or consoling words, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.

3) "And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?" (kai dia ti dialogismoi anabainousin en te kardia hemon) "And why do thoughts come up in your hearts?" Why are these questioning, conflicting thoughts arising, as if to dispute my appearance here, in resurrection form, as your risen Lord? Revelation 1:18; 1 John 3:2-3.

Verse 39

1) "Behold my hands and my feet," (idete tas cheiras mou kai tous podas mou) "You all behold, just look upon my hands and my feet," as they were pierced, Zechariah 13:6; Which their hands had handled, 1 John 1:1-3. These were visible evidence of His identity. That nail prints were there indicates that He was nailed, not just tied to the cross.

2) "That it is I myself:" (hoti ego eimi autos) "That I am, it is me for real," a real person, with my own body, and not merely an angel or a spirit, a temporary ministering servant, Hebrews 1:14.

3) "Handle me and see;" (pselaphesate me kai idete) "You all just feel me and perceive;" He challenged to strengthen their faith, to confirm them in assurance, John 20:20; John 20:27.

4) "For a spirit hath not flesh and bones," -(hoti pneuma sarka kai ostera ouk echei) "Because a spirit does not have flesh and bones," in which they may die and go to the grave, and come forth, 1 Corinthians 15:10.

5) "As ye see me have." (kathos eme theoreite echonta) "As you all observe me as having," even right now, as He showed them His nail pierced hands and feet, John 20:20; John 20:27; Romans 8:11.

Verse 40

1) "And when he had thus spoken," (kai touto eipon) "And when He had said this," challenged them with these words, Luke 24:39, to look, to handle, to touch Him, John 5:24; Acts 4:20; John 1:14; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3.

2) "He shewed them his hands and his feet." (epedeiksen autois tas cheiras kai tou podas) "He showed to them His hands and feet," the scars of the nails on them, John 20:27; 2 Peter 1:16-17; Zechariah 13:6; Psalms 22:16.

Verse 41

1) "And while they yet believed not for joy," (eti de apistouton auton apo tes charas) "While they still did not believe from the joy," too good to be true, that welled up in them as a result of: 1) His bodily appearance, 2) His words of assurance, 3) and His challenge to touch Him again, as they had before, Genesis 45:26; Acts 12:14.

2) "And wondered, he said unto them," (kai thaumazonton eipen autois) "As they marvelled he said to them," as they stood in awe of His presence, marveling one to another, out of joy, from their hearts, that He that was dead was alive again, Revelation 1:18.

3) "Have ye here any meat?" (echete ti brosion enthade) "Do you all have any food?" anything to eat, to satisfy my hunger? John 2:15.

Verse 42

1) "And they gave him," (hoi de epedokan auto) "Then they handed to him," gave to Him to eat of the food that they had, nourishing food. He ate and drank with them, as later certified by Peter at Cornelius’ house, 1 John 1:1-3; Acts 10:1-48.

2) "A piece of broiled fish, and of an honeycomb." (ichthous optou meros) "A part of a broiled fish." Large quantities of fish were brought up to Jerusalem for food at these Jewish feast days or festivals. The apostle Peter referred to this incident later, as an evidence of His resurrection, Acts 10:40-41; John 21:9-13.

Verse 43

1) "And he took it," (kai labon) "And he took it," the honeycomb and the fish, the food that they had, Luke 24:42. It was something a spirit could not do.

2) "And did eat before them." (enopion auton ephagen) "And ate before their presence," as He had with the Emmaus disciples, Luke 24:30-31; John 21:12-15; Acts 10:40-41.

Verse 44

1) "And he said unto them," (eipen de pros autos) "Then he said directly to them," after He had revealed Himself to them and eaten in their presence, v. Luke 24:43.

2) "These are the words which I spake unto you," (houtoi hoi logoi mou hous elalesa pros humas) "These are my words which I spoke to you," Luke 24:6; Luke 9:22; Luke 23:31, or fulfillment of what I taught, or tried to teach you all, if you would only search and verify the Scriptures, John 5:39. This is the meaning of what I taught you.

3) "While I was yet with you," (eti on sun humin) "Being yet in colleague with you all," before my crucifixion, Matthew 17:22; Matthew 26:30-31.

4) "That all things must be fulfilled," (hoti dei plerothenai panta ta) "That all things are necessary to be fulfilled," finished or completed, as declared by Peter, Matthew 20:18; Acts 10:43.

5) "Which were written in the law of Moses," (gegrammena en to nomo Mouseos) "That have been written in the Law of Moses," the Pentateuch, Moses’ Law, Deuteronomy 18:15-18.

6) "And in the prophets, and in the Psalms," (kai tois prophetais kai psalmois) "And the prophets and the Psalms," the books comprising the other two major sections of the Old Testament body of truth, that endure forever, Psalms 118:29; Psalms 119:60; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 20:19; Matthew 27:35.

7) "Concerning me." (peri mou) "Concerning me," that concern or relate to me, as the "Spirit of prophesy" Romans 1:3; Revelation 19:10.

Verse 45

1)"Then opened he their understanding," (tote dienoiksen auton ton huion tou) "Then he opened up their mind," Luke 24:27, or understanding, their comprehension, 2 Corinthians 4:6.

2)"That they might understand the scriptures." (sunienai tas graphas) "That they were able to comprehend the scriptures," what He had repeatedly taught them during His earthly ministry, John 16:13; Acts 1:16-20; Acts 2:16; Acts 2:25; Acts 16:14.

Verse 46

THE COMMISSION TO GO TO ALL NATIONS V. 46-48

1) "And said unto them," (kai eipen autois) "And he explained to them," to the apostles and the company of His church disciples who were assembled with them, Luke 24:33-35.

2) "Thus it is written," (hoti houtos gegraptai) "That thus (like this) it has been written," or this is in, harmony with what has been written concerning me, Isaiah 53:1-12.

3) "And thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise," (pathein ton Christon kai anastenai) "The Christ was to suffer and to rise again," the third day, even as I prophesied to you that I would, repeatedly, Matthew 16:21; Matthew 20:19; Matthew 26:31-32.

4) "From the dead the third day:" (ek nekron te trite hemero) "Out of or from among the dead corpses of the tomb on the third day," John 2:19; Matthew 26:61; Matthew 27:40.

Verse 47

1)"And that repentance and remission of sins," (metanoian eis apesin hamartion) "Repentance with view to or for the purpose of forgiveness of sins," as preached by Paul on his first missionary journey in Asia, Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20.

2)"Should be preached in his name," (kai keruchthenai epi eo onomati autou) "And that these were to be proclaimed in his name," by His authority and mandate, Daniel 9:24; Matthew 4:17; Acts 13:38; Acts 17:30-31; 1 John 2:12.

3) "Among all nations," (eis panta ta ethne) "Among all races, heathen, or nations," as a world-wide field of witnessing for His called and chosen and sent church witnesses, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Genesis 12:3; Psalms 22:27; Isaiah 49:6; Jeremiah 31:31; Hosea 2:23; Micah 4:2; Malachi 1:11; Galatians 3:28.

4) "Beginning at Jerusalem." (arksamenoi apo lerousalem) "Beginning or originating from Jerusalem," Luke 24:49, after the empowering of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:1-4. The Gospel, repentance, and remission of sins did not begin in Jerusalem; but the "commission mandate," for the church to preach His Gospel "to all nations," as an Holy Spirit empowered church, was to begin the world-wide extension from there.

Verse 48

1) "And ye are witnesses" (humeis martures) "And you all are witnesses," as my chosen church-company who have been with me from the beginning, John 15:16; John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22; Acts 2:32; 1 Corinthians 15:4-9. He called them from among the Gentiles beginning in Galilee, as a people for His name’s sake, Acts 15:14; Ephesians 3:21.

2) "Of these things." (touton) "Of these things," of these prophetic fulfillments you have witnessed and I have explained to you as fulfillments of the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms; You, as my sent ones, who have companied with me as a new covenant fellowship,’ are to start your world-wide mission journey from Jerusalem, after I empower you to do so, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15.

Verse 49

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS CHURCH

V. 49-53

1) "And, behold, I send," (kai idou ego eksaposthello) "And take note, I send out and forth on a mission," as I promised or told you I would, John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8.

2) "The promise of my Father upon you:" (ten epangellean tou patros mou eph! humas) "The promise of my Father upon you all," Isaiah 44:3; Joel 2:28; John 14:16-17, which He on my request and behalf will send forth, at Pentecost, and He did, John 14:27; Acts 2:1-4.

3) "But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem," humeis de kathisate en te polei) "Then you all stay put," in the city of Jerusalem, where you are, sit down, pray, and wait. Do not run ahead or linger when He comes, but move when He does come, Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14-16.

4) "Until ye be endued with power from on high." (heos ou endusesthe eks hupsous dunamin) "Until you are clothed out of and from the power on high," with spiritual power and unction, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-21, to help you witness, 1 John 2:27-28, from heaven, Holy Spirit dynamics. This same word meaning endued, as by adequate, becoming clothing, is used Judges 6:34; Acts 2:1-4. Such had come upon individuals before to prepare them for special tasks, but never upon an assembly body like the church body that Jesus had assembled and instituted as His body and house of worship and service, that replaced that one that Moses built, Hebrews 3:1-6; Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15.

Verse 50

1) "And he led Them out as far as to Bethany," (eksegagen de autous heos pros Bethanion) "Then he led them out and away until they had come to Bethany," ten days before Pentecost, after He had met them in Galilee, Matthew 28:16-20. He led them out on the east end of the Mount of Olives, about two miles from the Jerusalem temple, or at its summit, about one mile east, Acts 1:12.

2) "And he lifted up his hands, and blessed them." (kai eparas tas cheiras autou eulogesen) "And there he lifted up his hands and blessed them," Genesis 48:9; Genesis 48:15; Genesis 48:20; Numbers 6:22-27, in a special commemorative memorial blessing upon His church, His custodial new covenant fellowship that was to give glory to His Father and to Him, Ephesians 3:21; It was much as ancient Jewish fathers blessed their children before departing this life; It was a benediction prayer.

Verse 51

1) "And it came to pass, while he blessed them," (kai egeneto en to eulogein auton autous) "And it occurred that while he blessed them," with uplifted hands, as a last prayer of benediction, as further described Acts 1:8-11. It was much as Elijah blessed Elisha by letting his mantle fall on him, 1 Kings 19:19.

2) "He was parted from them," (dieste ap’ auton) "He withdrew away from them," or was withdrawn from them, on earth for the last time, until the shout at His coming, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; In clouds He went away, and through such He shall one day return soon, Hebrews 10:36-37; Revelation 1:7.

3) "And carried up into heaven." (kai anephereto eis ton ouranon) "And borne up and away into the heaven," the third heaven, through and beyond the clouds, from which we look with blessed hope for His return; As He went away, blessing His own faithful church that had been chosen and called from Galilee so shall He return Matthew 4:17-22; Acts 1:11; Acts 10:37; Acts 15:14; John 15:16; John 15:26-27.

His ascension was forty days after His resurrection, ten days before Pentecost.

Verse 52

1) "And they worshipped him," (kai autoi proskunesantes auton) "And they bowed down to worship him," in a supreme sense of worship, John 4:24; Psalms 72:15.

2) "And returned to Jerusalem," (kai autoi hupestrepsan eis lerousalem) "And they returned into Jerusalem," from Bethany, or from near Bethany, where He had led them out from Jerusalem, Luke 24:50, for the final private parting words of commission, and a prayer of benediction, Numbers 6:22-27.

3) "With great joy:" (meta charas megales) "With expanded or increased joy," great joy, assurance, and strengthened faith, as expressed, John 14:28; John 16:24; John 16:33.

Verse 53

1) "And were continually in the temple," (kai esan dia en to hiero) "And they were continually in the temple," for purposes of worship and praise to the Lord, Acts 2:46; Acts 5:42. For the temple was associated with Israel’s glory and the Master’s word.

2) "Praising God, Amen." (eulogountes ton theon) "Repeatedly praising and blessing God," for the things they had seen, and heard, and felt from, in, and through the presence, power, and promise of their risen Lord, Acts 4:20, speaking or witnessing "the things they had seen and heard "filled with the Holy Ghost," speaking the word with all boldness, after the power came upon them, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 4:31; Acts 5:29-32; Acts 5:41. They went out with faith in His return one day to receive His own, John 14:1-3; Acts 1:19; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 10:36-37; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 22:12.