FocusRemembering Jesus' words
Connection to the wholeThe women receive the resurrection announcement and report it, while the disciples struggle to accept what has been told them.
interpretation Luke 24:10
KJVIt was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
Read it in context
The empty tomb
Start reading at Luke 24:1 (Luke 24:1 to Luke 24:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The women receive the resurrection announcement and report it, while the disciples struggle to accept what has been told them.
- 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
- 24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
- 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
- 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
- 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
- 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
- 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
- 24:8 And they remembered his words,
- 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
- 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
- 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
- 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 24:1–24:53): The women, the apostles, two travelers going to Emmaus, and the gathered disciples receive evidence and appearances of the risen Jesus in successive scenes. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The empty tomb. Read Luke 24:1 through Luke 24:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The women receive the resurrection announcement and report it, while the disciples struggle to accept what has been told them. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The empty tomb (Luke 24:1 to Luke 24:12). Start reading at Luke 24:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 24:1, Luke 24:12, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
The discovery of the empty tomb
Parallel accounts
The accounts differ in the people and details they emphasize. This link identifies the shared event without constructing a combined chronology.
Related passages
- It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Ma… Luke 8:2-3 Mark 15:40-41 Mark 16:9-11 John 20:11-18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 24
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13–35FocusScripture and recognition
Connection to the wholeJesus interprets the Scriptures concerning His suffering and glory, and the two disciples return with their testimony.
interpretation The gathered disciples commissioned
Luke 24:36–53FocusUnderstanding and promised power
Connection to the wholeJesus confirms His resurrection, opens the disciples' understanding, and commissions witness while directing them to await power from on high.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation Ministry and discipleship
Luke 4:14–9:50FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.