Luke uniquely portrays Jesus through absence rather than presence, as the empty tomb becomes the primary evidence of his resurrection victory over death.
Luke 24
The Resurrection
1But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
3They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body.
4While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.
5Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. The men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee,
7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again?”
8They remembered his words,
9returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles.
11These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them.
12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.
The Road to Emmaus
13Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
14They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened.
15While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.
16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”
18One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”
19He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb;
23and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24Some of us went to the tomb and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25He said to them, “Foolish people, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!
26Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?”
27Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28They came near to the village where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.
29They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.” He went in to stay with them.
30When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them.
31Their eyes were opened and they recognized him; then he vanished out of their sight.
32They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”
33They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,
34saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
35They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
37But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.”
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.
43He took them, and ate in front of them.
44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms concerning me must be fulfilled.”
45Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.
46He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,
47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48You are witnesses of these things.
49Behold, I send out the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension
50He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
52They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
53and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
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Theme
Luke 24 presents the climactic events of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, beginning with the women's discovery of the empty tomb and the angels' proclamation that Christ has risen. The chapter continues with Jesus' appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, where he explains how the Scriptures foretold his suffering and glory, followed by his manifestation to the gathered apostles. The narrative concludes with Jesus commissioning his disciples as witnesses and ascending to heaven, leaving them filled with joy and continually praising God in the temple.
Context
This chapter serves as Luke's triumphant conclusion to his Gospel narrative, fulfilling the passion predictions and transitioning toward the apostolic mission that will unfold in Acts.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-12 The Empty Tomb Women discover Jesus' body missing and receive angelic announcement of his resurrection, though the apostles initially doubt their report.
- 13-35 The Road to Emmaus Jesus walks unrecognized with two disciples, explaining Scripture about the Messiah's suffering before revealing himself in the breaking of bread.
- 36-49 Jesus Appears to the Disciples Christ appears to the gathered apostles, proves his physical resurrection, opens their understanding of Scripture, and commissions them as witnesses.
- 50-53 The Ascension Jesus leads his disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends to heaven while they worship and return to Jerusalem with great joy.
The Resurrection
24:1–24:12 gospel narration triumphant
Women discover Jesus' empty tomb and are told by angels that he has risen. They report to the apostles who initially disbelieve, but Peter runs to investigate the empty tomb.
person_contrast
Luke uniquely portrays Jesus through absence rather than presence, as the empty tomb becomes the primary evidence of his resurrection victory over death.
The Road to Emmaus
24:13–24:35 gospel dialogue hopeful
Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining the Scriptures about his suffering and glory. He is recognized when he breaks bread with them, then vanishes.
person_contrast
Jesus transforms from the authoritative teacher of his ministry into an anonymous fellow traveler who reveals himself through intimate table fellowship rather than miraculous displays of power.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
24:36–24:49 gospel speech peaceful
Jesus appears to his disciples, proves his physical resurrection, and commissions them to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. He promises they will receive power from on high.
person_contrast
Jesus's greeting "Peace be to you" reverses his typical authoritative pronouncements, introducing forgiveness and witness-commissioning rather than his usual themes of judgment and divine authority.
The Ascension
24:50–24:53 gospel narration joyful
Jesus leads his disciples to Bethany where he blesses them and ascends to heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God in the temple.
person_contrast
Jesus's final earthly act reverses his typical pattern of exercising authority and judgment, instead positioning himself as the source of blessing that generates unprecedented joy among his disciples.
Insights
Jesus transforms from the authoritative teacher of his ministry into an anonymous fellow traveler who reveals himself through intimate table fellowship rather than miraculous displays of power.
Jesus's greeting "Peace be to you" reverses his typical authoritative pronouncements, introducing forgiveness and witness-commissioning rather than his usual themes of judgment and divine authority.
Jesus's final earthly act reverses his typical pattern of exercising authority and judgment, instead positioning himself as the source of blessing that generates unprecedented joy among his disciples.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Luke 24:1 5 references
Parallels 3
Matthew 28:1 Parallel
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see t…
Mark 16:1 Parallel
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come…
John 20:1 Parallel
Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw that the ston…
Luke 24:2 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 16:3 Lexical
They were saying among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
Mark 16:4 Lexical
for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.
Matthew 28:2 Lexical
Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the stone…
Luke 24:4 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 11:11 Lexical
Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
Acts 10:17 Lexical
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sen…
Acts 1:10 Lexical
While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing,
Luke 9:30 Lexical
Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah,
Luke 24:6 1 reference
Luke 24:7 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 14:41 Lexical
He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the…
Matthew 20:19 Lexical
and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Matthew 26:45 Lexical
Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and th…
Matthew 26:2 Lexical
“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Luke 9:22 Lexical
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be kille…
Luke 24:10 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 27:56 Lexical
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Mark 16:1 Lexical
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come…
Mark 15:40 Lexical
There were also women watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the less and…
Luke 24:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
John 20:5 Lexical
Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he didn’t enter in.
John 20:6 Lexical
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying,
John 20:2 Lexical
Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken…
John 20:4 Lexical
They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
John 20:11 Lexical
But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb,
Luke 24:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 11:3 Lexical
I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.…
Luke 5:17 Lexical
On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by who had come out of e…
Luke 10:38 Lexical
As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her hou…
Acts 20:22 Lexical
Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
Acts 8:27 Lexical
He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethi…
Luke 24:18 2 references
Luke 24:19 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 13:15 Lexical
After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have…
Acts 7:22 Lexical
Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works.
James 3:2 Lexical
For we all stumble in many things. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body…
Luke 24:20 4 references
Lexicals 4
Acts 23:5 Lexical
Paul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of…
Matthew 20:18 Lexical
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they w…
Mark 10:33 Lexical
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will…
Acts 22:4 Lexical
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Luke 24:21 1 reference
Luke 24:23 1 reference
Luke 24:24 2 references
Luke 24:25 2 references
Lexicals 2
Luke 24:27 1 reference
Luke 24:30 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 14:19 Lexical
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to he…
Mark 14:22 Lexical
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed it, he broke it and gave to them, and said, “Take, eat. T…
1 Corinthians 10:16 Lexical
The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a shar…
Acts 27:35 Lexical
When he had said this and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; then he broke it and began to e…
Mark 8:6 Lexical
He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them a…
Luke 24:32 1 reference
Luke 24:33 2 references
Luke 24:35 1 reference
Luke 24:36 2 references
Luke 24:39 2 references
Luke 24:42 2 references
Luke 24:44 5 references
Lexicals 5
John 1:45 Lexical
Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets, wrote: Jesus…
Acts 28:23 Lexical
When they had appointed him a day, many people came to him at his lodging. He explained to them, testifying about God’s…
John 15:25 Lexical
But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’
Acts 15:5 Lexical
But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command…
Matthew 5:17 Lexical
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Luke 24:46 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 17:3 Lexical
explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I…
Luke 9:22 Lexical
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be kille…
Matthew 16:21 Lexical
From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, c…
Mark 8:31 Lexical
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, an…
Luke 18:33 Lexical
They will scourge and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.”
Luke 24:47 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 3:3 Lexical
He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.
Mark 1:4 Lexical
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 Lexical
God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Acts 10:43 Lexical
All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
Acts 2:38 Lexical
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,…
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Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
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Timeline
Resurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
Angels announce Jesus has risen from the dead at the empty tomb.
The ResurrectionCrucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
The empty tomb confirms Jesus overcame death after his crucifixion.
The ResurrectionCrucifixion
~30 ADJesus' death by crucifixion on Golgotha, bearing the sins of humanity as the ultimate sacrifice. This central Christian event provides atonement and reconciliation between God and mankind.
Jesus explains how his crucifixion and suffering fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
The Road to EmmausResurrection
~30 ADJesus' victory over death through his bodily resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. This cornerstone event validates Jesus' divinity and provides hope of eternal life for believers.
Jesus proves his physical resurrection by showing wounds and eating with disciples.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples