Luke 24

The closing chapter of Luke’s Gospel. The chapter narrates the events of the first Easter and the days that follow, ending with the ascension. It is one of the most theologically dense single chapters in the New Testament, and the only Gospel chapter to give all four of its post-resurrection scenes in a single continuous narrative.

Contents

• Verses 1 to 12. The women find the empty tomb. Two figures in shining garments tell them Christ is risen. They report to the Eleven, who do not believe them. Peter runs to the tomb, sees the linen cloths, and departs wondering (g2296).
• Verses 13 to 35. Two disciples on the road to Emmaus encounter the risen Christ without recognizing him. He expounds the scriptures to them. At table their eyes are opened (g1272) and they recognize him; he vanishes. They recall that their hearts had been burning (g2545) within them on the road.
• Verses 36 to 49. Christ appears to the disciples in the upper room, eats with them, and opens their understanding of the scriptures. He commissions them as witnesses and promises the Spirit.
• Verses 50 to 53. The ascension at Bethany. The disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy.

Notable verses

• 24:5. “Why seek ye the living among the dead?”
• 24:12. Peter at the empty tomb.
• 24:31. Eyes opened at Emmaus.
• 24:32. Hearts burning on the road.
• 24:45. Christ opens their understanding of the scriptures.