Notes on Luke 24:3-20

Luke 24:3

Jesus' body was gone because he was raised from the dead (vv. 5-6). His resurrection was not simply spiritual; his physical body was given new life (v. 39; Acts 2:27).

Luke 24:4

These two men were angelic beings (v. 23; Matt. 28:2, 4; see note on 1:11). Like Jesus' birth, this glorious event was attended by God's messengers (1:26-38; 2:8-14).

Luke 24:5

fear. A typical response to the appearance of angels (1:12, 30; 2:9; 8:50; Gen. 15:1; Judg. 6:23; Dan. 10:12, 19). living among the dead. Despite following Jesus, the women did not expect to find him alive (see v. 6).

Luke 24:6-7

The angels offered a mild rebuke to the women. Jesus had repeatedly told his followers that he would die and rise again (9:22, 44; 18:32-33). Son of Man. A title for Jesus (see note on 5:22-24).

Luke 24:6

See WCF 29.6

Luke 24:8-10

Luke's account contains marks of its own authenticity (see notes 1:1-4). In Jewish culture, women were not permitted to act as a witness in court. Yet, they are the first to witness the empty tomb (v. 3). If the account was made up, women would not be written as arriving first. Nor would Luke include names. Doing so implicitly meant anyone could find these women and ask them about what they saw (see 1 Cor. 15:6).

Luke 24:10

Mary Magdalene. See notes on 8:2-3. Joanna. See notes on 8:2-3. Mary the mother of James. See Mark 15:40; 16:1. other women. Probably the women disciples and supports mentioned earlier (8:1-3; 23:49, 55). apostles. These men were appointed by Jesus to take the good news of Jesus death and resurrection to all nations (see note on 6:13)

Luke 24:11-12

The women's story seemed too good to be true. Yet, Peter went to see for himself (John 20:3-6). wondering. The empty tomb gave him hope, but not seeing Jesus himself left him unsure about its meaning (v. 24).

Luke 24:13

day. Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection (v. 1). two. That is, two of Jesus' disciples. One was named Cleopas (v. 18). Emmaus. A village thought to be west of Jerusalem, but its exact location is unknown. sixty stadia. About seven miles (eleven kilometers).

Luke 24:14

They were discussing Jesus' life and death (vv. 20-24). See WLC 160.

Luke 24:15-16

God kept them from recognizing the risen Christ (see John 20:14-15; 21:4). This allowed Jesus to teach them how to understand all the Scriptures in light of who he was and what he did (vv. 25-27).

Luke 24:19

The disciples were incredulous at Jesus' question. Nazarene. See note on 4:16. prophet. Jesus revealed the mighty power of God like no other prophet before. Like the prophets of the old covenant, Jesus was known both by miracles and by his teaching of God's word. Yet, Jesus was much more than a prophet (see note on 7:16).

Luke 24:20

chief priests. See note on 7:3. rulers. See note on 18:18. condemned . . . crucified. Although Pilate and the Romans had a hand in Jesus' crucifixion, it was the Jewish leaders who initiated and pressed for his death. They were just as responsible (see notes on 23:1-2).

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